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AS KNOWN IN 

HISTORY AND TRADITION 



BY 

Miaa Aubitt AybrlottP fllriantrll 
LOUISVILLE. KY. 



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COPYRIGHTED 1909 

BY 

AUBIN AYDELOTTE McDOWELL 



W. F ROBERTS COMPANV 
WASHINGTON. D C. 



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THIS little book is affection- 
ately dedicated to the hosts 
of friends of White Sulphur 
Springs. ^ ^ ^ 

Even as the shadows lengthen, 
as the days decline; so shall the 
endearing memories of pleasant 
hours spent at the beloved "Old 
White" extend into the far distant 
future. 

AUBIN AYDELOTTE McDOWELL 




PREFACE 

The old Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, so famous in history and romance, the social Mecca 
for many years for the most noted men and women of the country, after a long and glorious career 
has taken on a new lease of life. A company composed of representative Virginia gentlemen has 
purchased the property and many improvements will be made by the opening of the next season. 
The hotel itself, a grand colonial building, will not be altered but the cottages will be remodeled 
and renovated, all the latest improvements introduced, and the beautiful grounds made even more 
picturesque; in short, nothing will be left undone to add to the lovliness and comfort of this 
paradise among the mountains. 

Having filled the position of correspondent at these Springs for several seasons and become 
familiar with their beauties and attractions, having friends among the interesting people, who have 
been guests there year after year, it was particularly gratifying to me when these delightful men 
and women requested me to publish the letters written during the Home-Coming Centennial Season. 

The writing of these letters was a labor of love, it was a pleasure to chronicle the gay 
happenings of the day which became the history of tomorrow and to express my appreciation of the 
gallant men and lovely women who made the hours pass so joyously. My heart was in the work 
which I now place before the public in this little book with the hope that those who have not 
visited this lovely health-giving resort or shared in the delightful life led by the guests may 
be made familiar with the charms of the most beautiful and historic resort of our counto', the 
beloved, the famous Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs of West Virginia. 

AUBIN AVDELOTTE McDOWELL. 




" This CasUc Hath a Pleasant Seat ; the Air Nimbly and Sweetly Recommends Itself upon Our Gentle Senses. 
Heaven's Breath Smells Wooingly Here." 



1808 OLD AND NEW 1908 

CENTENNIAL SEASON SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE. 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, JUNE 27, 1908 

HE greatest interest is manifested in the Centennial year of the Greenbrier White Suliiluii 

Springs, West Virginia, famiharly called the "Old White." 

Beautiful in age as some majestic matron of Virginia, who carries her years lightly, 
she will celebrate her one hundredth birthday and home-coming season tliis summer in an 
appropriately royal fashion, brilliant with social affairs, as becomes one so crowned with glory and 
Iionor. From 1808 to 1908 she has reigned supreme, the queen of American watering places. Presidents 
of the United States, Orators and Soldiers, Poets and Wits, famous Divines and learned Doctors, 
beauties and beaux, the best representatives of social, intellectual, professional and diplomatic 
circles of Europe and America have paid honiago at her shrine, and still she wields her sceptre 
right royally. Set among the eternal blue of the mountains, bathed in golden airs, she corruscates 
like some glorious jewel on the hand of nature. 




The famous old resort is situated upon the great Allegliany range of the Appalachian Moun- 
tains, twenty-five hundred feet above the sea. The details of its fame are well worthy of con- 
sideration. 

Here one is carried back beyond the dawn of American civilization into realms of that vast 
Empire of the great Powhatan, whose influence extended far and wide, and whose history reaches 
backward into the mists. 

As the colonies advanced in the seventeenth century, the Indians were driven farther and farther up 
the picturesque James River and back into the wilderness, until at last they found rest here to pitch their 
tents and build their wigwams. They heated stones and bathed in the stream of the sulphur water 
for rheumatism. Indian romance, indeed, was the origin of the old fountain. The legend was handed 
down and is gracefully told by Mrs. Roger A. Pryor. Her honorable husband was a distin- 
guished and direct descendant of Pocahontas, and they have been annual guests at the "Old 
White" for three score years. 

One eventful day a brc>wn-faced youtli and Indian maiden were ir.erry-making on the green, un- 
mindful of aught but sport and pleasure, a stern old chieftain keeping watch from a distant peak, 
as a reproof for idleness, shot two arrows, one pierced the heart of the youth, the other missing 
aim, lodged in the bosom of the earth, and when drawn forth, the sulphur spring was discovered. 

It is the influence of the lonely maiden that brings us back year after year, to drink of 
these charmed waters, for the story tells that her lover is not to be restored, until we sip the 

8 



last drop in the well. At the witching hour of midnight the winsome spirit flits about, and her 
footprints are traced by the tiny white blossoms that spring up in her pathway. 

In 1751 General Andrew Lewis a man of brave and energetic character, made an excursion 
into this country. General Lewis afterwards became eminent in the history of Virginia, and was 
chief in command at the famous battle of Point Pleasant, October, 1774, where the Indian power 
in all this region was fully broken, and they were compelled to relinquish the entire country from 
the Alleghany Mountains to the Ohio River. Tradition says tliat this charming valley was once 
a favorite "hunting ground" of the proud Shawnees, who then owned and occupied this fair re- 
gion, and the numerous graves and rude implements of the cliase, that were found in various 
parts of the valley attest the truth of this legend. That a small marsh originally near the 
spring, was once a favorite deer and buffalo lick, was well known to the early white settlers of 
the country. The part of the property on which the White Surplur Spring rises was first 
patented under what was then called a "Corn Right" to Natiianiel Carpenter, one of the early 
pioneers. After Point Pleasant battle a small incursion of Indians took place. Carpenter reported 
to his captain and was subsequently killed by a band of marauding Indians. His wife "Kate" and 
her daughter, Frances, to escape from the Indians, were forced to liide themselves for some time on 
a neighboring mountain, which now, and ever since, has been called "Kate's Mountain," because Kate 
Carpenter so heroically defended her home. 

Kate's Mountain with its old family legend is three thousand five hundred feet above the sea, 



and one mile to the south. "Greenbrier" is the same distance to the west equal altitude. To the 
southwest are the mountains known as "White Rock," that consist of a series of elevations on the 
summit of which is discovered a striking resemblance to a human figure of gigantic size, which is 
the wonder and admiration of all visitors and has been named "Old Titan," or the "Giant of the 
White Sulphur," who mythology tells fell in one of the battles of the gods and was converted by 
Terra, the Goddess of the Earth, into this huge adamantine mass. 

The name Greenbrier White Sulphur originated from a thorny green vine, that grov.-s in 
abundance about the banks of the Greenbrier River, from which the picturesque stream, also the 
mountain and county of Greenbrier are called. 

It is believed that a Mrs. Anderson, the wife of one of the oldest settlers, was the first white 
person who tested the medicinal virtues of the spring. In 1778 this lady being afflicted with 
rheumatism, was borne on a litter from her home, fifteen miles away, to White Sulphur, where a 
tent was spread for her protection from the weather and a bathing tub provided by felling and 
excavating a huge tree that grew hard by. Here she remained until she entirely recovered, drinking 
from the old fountain and bathing in the water, previously heated in the trough by hot rocks. The 
fame of this cure soon spread abroad. Accordingly, in 1779, and from that date to 1783, there were 
annually a few visitors, who dwelt in tents immediately around the spring, with the rude trough for 
a bathing tub. 

In 1784, 1785 and 1786, numerous "log cabins" were erected, not one of which is now remaining. 



There is nothing more pathetic than to take a little jaunt out under the blue heavens to the 
quiet "God's Acre," where lie and dream forever all that's mortal of those brave "primitive 
dwellers in tents" ; surrounded by .their sturdy descendants of more enterprising spirit who went 
on progressing until log cabins had exhibited a neat and flourishing village. 

"Sweet vale of Greenbrier how calm do .they rest 
In the shade of thy bosom near those they love best." 

Mr. Michael Bowyer, of Augusta County, Virginia, born in the vicinity of Staunton, was a 
prominent pioneer among the early settlers here. In 1775 he married Frances Carpenter, daughter 
of Nathaniel and Kate Carpenter, and subsequently came into possession of the White Sulphur 
Springs. Mary Bowyer, a daughter of Michael and Frances Bowyer, and granddaughter of Kate 
Carpenter, was born in 1781 and married in 1797 to Mr. James Caldwell, an enterprising 
sea merchant of the city of Baltimore, Mr. Caldwell having removed to this neighborhood in the 
year 1795. Michael Bowyer died early in the nineteenth century and this vast landed estate was be- 
queathed to his heirs comprising the following: Thomas Bowyer, Luke Bowyer, William Bowyer, 
and James Bowyer, including his daughters and sons-in-law, James Frazier, William Herndon, 
James Caldwell and William Bedford. 

Mr. James Caldwell bought the Bowyer interest in this property, and in 1808 first established 
a hotel at White Sulphur, he caused to be erected a long, two-story building with a veranda ex- 

II 



tending the entire length and in close proximity to the spring. This building is now occupied by 
the postoffice, Adams Express Company, jewelry shop, millinery, dressmaking, general store, and 
tailor shop. James Caldwell became proprietor and sole owner of this estate in the year 1816, .the 
last transfer having been deeded the i6th day of November, 1816, with William Bedford and 
Frances Bowyer, his wife, of the one part, and James Caldwell and his wife Mary Bowyer, of the 
other part. 

In a secluded spot near the entrance to the park of most wonderful natural beauty, Mr. Cald- 
well built his family cottage, the terraced gardens surrounding this villa still evidence the skill of 
the landscape artist, and the time-worn, unique summer houses invite strolling lovers to pause 
beneath the repose of their wild, clinging vines. 

Representative people of wealth and influence, attracted by the favorable surroundings and 
health-giving waters, came here from throughout the Southern states and built the picturesque villas 
still scattered about the grounds. Accompanied by their families they returned summer after sum- 
mer, with coach and four, with liveried attendant and rigorous etiquette. Each group of co.ttages 
has its own name ; Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia Row, Florida, BaUiniore, Paradise, and 
Louisiana Row. 

The three-story colonial cottages, owned by General Wade Hampton, of South Carolina, 
Judge Manning, of the United States District Court of Louisiana, later Minister to Mexico, and 
Senator Singleton, of Mississippi, were built upon the most commanding height and afterwards 
used as the hotel. 

12 



It was here that the most famous statesmen of their day were wont to gather. It was at the 
"Old White" .the Presidents of the United States, from the time of Wasliington, spent their 
annual vacations, occupying the "President's Cottage," of stately colonial architecture, yet remain- 
ing intact and commanding tlie most picturesque situation. There were the Rives, Lewises, Pres- 
tons, Floyds, Henrys, Cabells, Fairfaxes, Barbours, from Virginia ; the Carrolls, Calverts, Howards, 
and McHenrys, from Maryland ; the Calhouns, Suniters, Pickenses, and Hamptons, of South Caro- 
lina ; the Clays, Marshalls, Breckenridges, and Crittendens, of Kentucky ; Websters, Choates, 
Adamses, and Pierces, of New England; Tom Corwin, Ewing, Trimble and Thurman, Ohio; Cass 
and Benton and Douglas of the far West, and a host of others famous in American history. 

It has been said that "The illustrious dead arc like the stars of heaven that reflect themselves 
in the bosom of the ocean." Assuredly since crea.tion's dawn the great ocean of humanity has 
never reflected a more princely roll than those signatures that are still to be seen on the musty old 
pages of the hotel registers. 

It was away back in 1837, when the Whig party held an important conference here, that we 
find in almost feminine handwriting "H. Clay, Kentucky, while among the next day's arrivals, are 
"Rufus Choate, Massachusetts; Thomas Corwin, Ohio; William C. Rives, Virginia, and Millard 
Fillmore, New York." 

It was the 4th of July, 1854, that Franklin Pierce, then President of the United States, arrived 
at White Sulphur and stayed six weeks. It was a lovely summer afternoon, when the Concord 

13 



coach, in which the President and his wife rode, drawn by six white horses with plumes on their 
heads, rolled up in front of the old hotel, while the band on the lawn played "Hail Columbia," and 
the guests on the piazza clieered a welcome to the Chief Magistrate of the Nation. It was also 
here thai the Governor of North Carolina, over a White Sulphur julep, made that historic re- 
mark to the Governor of South Carolina, "It is a long time between drinks," which has been con- 
tinually repeated ever since by their successors. 

President John Tyler married Miss Julia Gardner, a distinguished beauty of Virginia, and a 
famous belle of the Old White, and here spent their honeymoon in that most ideal spot — the Presi- 
dents' Cottage. Madam Jerome Bonaparte once visited the Springs. 

Mr. James Caldwell, born 1773, died in 1851. In .the spring of 1S53 this estate, having been 
greatly enlarged by the purchase of adjoining territory, making its entire area upwards of 7,000 
acres, was sold to a company of Virginia gentlemen by William H. McFarland, Trustee for Wil- 
liam B. Caldwell, Henry Caldwell, and other heirs, children, and grandcliildren of James Caldwell ; 
by their deed of the 22(1 day of November, 1853, for the sum of $600,000. The deed was con- 
veyed the i8th day of April, 1854, to the company composed of the following: Jeremiah Morton, 
Matthew F. Maury, R. H. Maury, Allen T. Carpenter, Alexander K. Phillips, A. F. D. Gifford, 
James Hunter and J. Warren Slaughter. 

The White Sulphur Springs Company made various and important additions and improvements, 
including the purchase of all the cottages, and in 1858, completed in the center of the \alley the 

U 



largest hotel building in the country, second to none in .the United States. Saratoga was a mere 
village in 1850, and Newport unknown. 

The Prince of Wales, now King of England, was .the guest of honor at the White Sulphur 
during the season of 1859. 

The glories of Greenbrier were dimmed for a time by the ravages of the war between the 
States and this place was used for hospital headquarters, first by the brave sons of the South and 
afterwards by .the Federal soldiers. Miss Emily Mason, a noble Virginia woman and a devout 
Catholic, was appointed matron. She not only proved to be the most distinguislied Florence Night- 
ingale of the Old Dominion in those strenuous years, but by her tactful management and her 
potent personality, saved the White Sulphur hotel and surrounding cottages from injury and de- 
struction. This brave woman frequently visited Rome later in life, and was an honored friend 
of Pope Pius IX and Pope Leo XIII. Miss Mason reached the end of life's journey , the Centennial 
year of the cherished "Old White" at the ripe age of ninety-six — for her, indeed, a blessed home- 
coming into her heavenly mansion. 

In August, 1861, the brave Southern troops were encamped amid and around this beautiful 
Greenbrier Valley. 

The large drawing room was used as headquarters by Generals McCausland, Pegram, Maury, 
Wise, and Floyd. Col. C. Q. Tompkins, a retired West Point officer, was appointed by Governor 
Letcher in command of battalion dress parades. It is reasonable to suppose that the medicinal 

IS 



properties of the sulphur waters were of great advantage to tlie soldiers, and it is a well known 
fact that after the army horses had tested the spring they refused to drink any other waters. 
Colonel John Schoonmakcr was in command of the Federal troops at White Sulpluir during the 
Civil War. 

Early in 1866 Colonel George L. Peyton and others leased the Springs and formed a new joint 
stock company with George L. Peyton in charge of affairs. E.xtensive improvements were made 
during Mr. Peyton's reign, including a large race course and the artificial lake "Rosalie," the 
latter named in honor of his lovely daughter. The prestige of the Old White for all that is ele- 
gant and refined was at once restored and the time-honored custom of the old-fasliiont-d "Tread- 
mill" was revived. — 

Evening after evening the brilliant company of fair ladies and courtly gentlemen would 
assemble in the large drawing room to greet friends upon their more recent arrival, and look over 
the copy of the hotel office register (which was daily placed in the parlor). All the guests would 
participate in the alluring promenade or Treadmill around and around the grand salon until en 
trancing music from tlie great ballroom announced the hour for "The White Sulphur Riley," a 
stately dance somewhat after the graceful minuet and belongs exclusively to the "Old White," 
never having been danced nor heard of in any other summer resort. It was in tlie memorable 
year of 1867 the brilliant galaxy of the great and good ex-Confederates met at W hite Sulphur, 
Generals Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, Joseph E. Johnston, Pegram, Hood, and ex-President Jeffer- 

16 



sun C. Davis, Mr. George Peabody, Mr. W. W. Corcoran, the Minister of Turkey, and tnany other 
distinguished guests. 

One of the most toucliing and beautiful incidents in the liistory of the Old White was the first 
visit made there by Gen. Robert E. Lee after the close of the Civil War in 1867. 

It was not definitely known when he was to arrive and the guests, more than one thousand in 
number, were on the quivive to welcome the adored Commander of the Southern army. When the 
glass doors opening on the long veranda were thrown open and he entered the dining room through 
the doors directly in the centre, every man, woman and child rose at once and at the breathing of 
his name a silence more eloquent than speech pervaded the enormous apartment. The old, the 
young, the belle, the beau, the white-haired elder, and the stately matron bowed low before the 
great general, the spurless knight of a cause which though lost was sacred. 

It was during the season of this same year that the glorious ball was given at the "Old 
White" in honor of Virginia's illustrious chieftain. General Robert E. Lee. It was proudly esti- 
mated that over five thousand people assembled to do him homage. 

The reception committee of brilliant women and patriotic men filled the stately drawing room, 
while the grand ball-room and large dining hall (the latter being 300 feet in length and 140 feet 
wide) were decorated and arranged for the vast company of gay dancers who also crowded the 
galleries extending all around the immense building. 

A few days later General Lee held a reception in the large drawing room. Here several thou- 

17 



sand of his old soldiers filed by their commander, entering by one door at the end of the gallery 
and passing out by the other. As he grasped their rugged hands and marked the halt, the blind, 
tlie lame passing reverently before him, the tears that filled his eyes and flowed down his cheeks 
were voiceless but eloquent tributes to his love for the soldier of the South. This was a glorious 
season in the annals of the Old White, and those who were present have shrined it apart as a 
sacred and beautiful memory. 

William Bannister, the intelligent and faithful porter of Baltimore Row, delights in telling 
that General Robert E. Lee occupied cottage letter G in Baltimore the last three summers of his 
earthly holidays. President Grant, Senator CarHsle, and President Arthur, with four of his Cabi- 
net, en route to Louisville. Kentucky, were in their time guests in Baltimore Row during their 
visits to the Springs. 

"The White" was a favorite resort of General Lee, and his friends love to recall his 
last visit and affectionate farewell, as he mounted his faithful war horse "Old Traveller," and 
rode away. "Traveller" was born near Blue Sulphur Springs in West Virginia, and was purchased 
by Genera! Lee from Major Thomas L. Broun. It is said he needed neither whip nor spur, and 
would walk his five or six miles an hour over the rough mountain roads, with Iiis rider sitting 
firmly in the saddle. 

And ! when the "Old White" had evolved four-score years, another memorable ball was ar- 
ranged in honor of the Governor of North Carolina. The guests from that noble old State con- 
tributed five thousand dollars towards the expense of this grand affair. 

i8 




Ballimore Row 



"The Presidents' Club" that was instituted by prominent men guests wlio were occupying the 
President's Cottage the summer uf 1880, soon grew into a large organization. An all-day "jubilee" 
was held during the home-coming season, and the anniversary feast was prepared and served by 
the members within the cottage hall. 

The Irish Club, composed of younger men, was organized in the Caldwell Cottage, situated 
inside the park, very near the rustic summer house where the musicians were wont to assemble for 
the morning and afternoon concerts. The romantic park which is traversed by walks and furnished 
with seats in shady nooks, is frequented by young men and maidens as shown by the names of the 
walks. "Lovers' Walk," which naturally leads to "Hesitancy" and "Courtship's Maze," conducting 
either to "Lovers' Rest" or "Lovers' Leap." 

This magnificent estate was again sold in the spring of 1880. Immediately after getting pos- 
session the owners proceeded to make valuable alterations and additions to the property. The new 
improvements thus far completed a four-story wing attached to the main hotel, in which is located 
a large and comfortable office, ladies' reception room, reading rooms, private dining rooms, etc. 

WilliamA. Stuart, John P. Branch, A. S. Buford, J. H. Dooley, Lessees. Major B. F. Eakle, and 
Colonel Harrison Phoebus, Superintendents. In 1894 Julian T. Burke, John S. Lemon, John W. Har- 
ris, Trustees for the Dulaney estate, came into possession of White Sulphur Springs. Superinten- 
dents : Mrs. E. A. Eubank, 1895; Levi Scoville, 1896-1898; Harrington Mills, 1899-1903; George A. 
Mills, 1904-1908. 

19 



SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. WEST VIRGINIA, JULY 4, 1908 




^ LE) White Sulphur!" Thou need'st not fear to take thy place even by the century that 
boasts of Bath, Carlsbad or Baden-Baden, nor by the century that vaunteth Monte 
Carlo, Weisbaden and Trouville, making obeisance and giving way to none other claim 
than thine own, whence all others take flight. 

On Sunday services are held at throe churches on the grounds. St. Thomas' Episcopal Chapel 
is a picturesque edifice erected in the year 1885 by liberal subscriptions to Bishop Peterkin. The 
Rev. Dr. Mason contributed the plat of ground when the Springs were sold in 1880. This church 
is adorned with handsome memorial gifts. One of the most beautiful is a large, richly stained glass 
window at the rear of the chancel, "Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and heard His words." This is 
in memory of Mary Henry Jones, of Richmond. A marble tablet, another memorial of Mary Henry 
Jones, was placed there liy Mr. \V. W. Corcoran, of Washington. 



There is an exquisite window in memory of the two infant sons of Bishop Peterkin, "In 
lo\ing memory of John Stewart, aged four years, and his brother, Marion Mcintosh. Thou hast 
made even infants to glorify thee by their death." 

An artistic piece of statuary is a kneehng angel holding a shallow basin, which serves as a 
font, and was presented by Mrs. Jolni Stewart, of Brook Hill, Richmond. 

The well built Methodist house of worship was established in the year 1855, by the residents of 
the neighborhood and is maintained by a large membership in addition to handsome contributions 
from the guests of the Springs. 

St. Charles, Church of Rome, built upon the highest and most imposing position, commands 
magnificent views in every direction. In i<S96 Henry C. Stewart gave the plat of land and by the 
zealous work and faithful service of the Rev. Charles F. Schilpp, the church building was completed 
in 1898. Col. John McAnerney contributed largely to the furnishings, his gifts including the hand- 
some altar, a memorial to his wife, Ellen Marshall McAnerney; he gave the frescoes on the walls 
and ceiling, the carpet, the pews and church bell. The Angelus is rung three times a day also, in 
memory of Col. McAnerney's wife. 

Madame Durkee, of Paris, France, gave, as a memorial of her mother, Madame Alida Le 
Bourgeois, of New Orleans, who was interred here in 1897, very handsome vestments to Father 
Schilpp for afternoon and morning services. The elegant cloth for the Virgin's altar is an ex- 
quisite work of art, beautifully embroidered in gold. The chalice is of solid gold and the cruets 
of cut glass. 

21 



The clergy have always had a warm spot in their hearts for the Old White and many of the 
most eloquent and popidar members of the Cloth have been guests there season after season. Bishop 
Peterkin, of the Diocese of West Virginia, began his visits here in August, 1885, and has continued 
them ever since, mucli to the delight of his host of friends. Tlie Rev. and Mrs. J. S. Gibson, of 
Huntington, West Virginia, have been here in September begining with the year 1891. Dr. Gibson 
is a delightful man and it would be hard to find a more attractive woman than his wife. She is 
very handsome with bright dark eyes, hair slightly powdered with gray, and winning manners that 
have endeared her to all so fortunate as to make her acquaintance. 

August 17, 1904, Senator Henry Gassaway Davis was officially notified that he was the nominee 
of ,the DeuKjcratic party for Vice-President of tlie United States. Mr. Davis accepted the nomina- 
tion in a brief speech reviewing tlie political situation, eclioing the sentiments of Judge Parker on 
the money question and expressing the datermination to be successful in the campaign. Congress- 
man John Sharp Williams, of Mississippi, chairman of the committee by the St. Louis Conven- 
tion, delivered the notification address. 

The ceremonies were held on the lawn of .the White Sulphur Springs Hotel, which affords a 
natural amphitheatre, the ground sloping up from the speakers' stand on all sides and sheltered 
by the giant, spreading oaks. Several thousand enthusiastic Democrats had assembled from Vir- 
ginia and other States. The famous Stonewall Brigade Band, of Staunton, Va., organized by 
General Jackson, played stirring airs. Mr. Williams remarked the night before, that after being 



with Mr. Davis all day he had a vague suspicion that in some way the Senator had found out in 
advance of his notification that he had been nominated for the Vice-Presidency. 

The Chesapeake and Ohio is the direct and only all rail route passing the White Sulphur 
Springs. "It needs no telling" that aside from the unsurpassed natural scenery of plain and upland 
of the unending water views, the travel through the Virginias is everywliere historic and inter- 
esting. The plains and valleys and mountains are thickly sown with battlefields that are known the 
world over. The scenery in the vast mountains of the State is bold and grand beyond any other 
eastern section. The eternal ranges follow each other in great billows over that wide ocean of up- 
land reaching from the Blue Ridge to the Ohio. The mountain section of the road is nearly three 
hundred miles and there is no other comparable to it on any railroad east of the Rockies. 

Mr. George \\\ Stevens, of Richmond, Va., President of the great Chesapeake and Ohio Rail- 
road, is recognized throughout the United States as having few equals and no superiors. He has 
brought the C. & O. up to a standard wliicli speaks eloquently of his ability. Mr. Stevens is beloved 
by his employes for his kind consideration, and is always ready to help the unfortunate. A man 
of quick perception, prompt action, and extraordinary energy. Mr. Stevens is a frequent guest 
of the Springs and the life and soul of our numerous social affairs. Above all, he is the sworn 
knight of the women — old and young — and may be relied upon tu say something pleasant to or about 
them on each and every occasion. 

A feature of the scenery about the neighboring mountains with their affluent glories is the 

23 



picturesque homes clustered around the "Old White" like jewels aliout the central stone. "Caldwell's 
Inn," a spacious colonial homestead, is an interesting landmark on the old turnpike. Coaching 
parties on tlie drive from White Sulphur to Lewisburg, are wont to stop over at this quaint half-way 
house where game dinners and suppers with a "tnint julip" or "peach and honey" can be ordered 
throughout the season, to say nothing of the humors of mine host, Mr. Ashford Caldwell, the 
hospitable proprietor. 

About four miles from the Springs is Mountain Home, conducted by the Messrs. and Misses 
Dixon, brothers and sisters, belonging to an honored family and immensely popular with the 
guests. Their suppers of fried chicken, corn pudding, waffles, coffee and other old Virginia delica- 
cies are noted, and here the beau.\ and belles spend many a happy evening, the suppers being fol- 
lowed by dancing to the music of the banjo played by African experts. 

Castle Ravensworth, whose name suggests a Southworth novel of old Virginia life, is three miles 
distant and is the suminer home of the dignified widow of ex-Governor E. W. Wilson, of Charleston, 
W. Va. Mrs. Wilson has three lovely daughters, who assist Iicr in dispensing a gracious hospi- 
tality. Miss Ashton, a perfect blonde with violet blue eyes ; Willis, a radiant young woman with 
hazel brown orbs, and Nellie, the youngest, who is a debutante. Tea is served here every afternoon 
at five o'clock, and Ravensworth. with its hostesses is accounted one of the most popular places in 
the neighborhood. 



24 



High on the side of Kate's Mountain is the brick house occupied by Mr. and Mrs. E. H 
Bobbitt, a most agreeable young couple with their two handsome boys, E. H. Bobbit, the second, 
and curly haired Paul, aged one year. Other handsome sites in this paradise among the mountains 
are owned and occupied during the season by wealthy English capitalists who dispense a royal hospi- 
tality and drive daily to the Old White to participate in its gayeties. 




SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. WEST VIRGINIA, JULY II. 1908 



"Who'er has traveled life's dull round 
Where're his stages may have been 
May sigh to think he still has found 
The warmest welcome at an inn." 

j^^^^^HEV liave guests at the Springs now from all points of the country; the palms of the 
luKr^/i Siiuth bow to the pines of the Korth, and the red woods of the West to the delicate 
f-fg^"^^ arbutus of the East. 

It is good to witness this kind of fellowship on the soil of Virginia and to realize that where the 
thunder of guns and the charge of the infantry once took place, Peace now spreads her white wings 
under the shadows of the grand old mountains, that once frowned down on vast battle-fields. 

The large central hotel, with its magnificent colonades and verandas wreathed in roses and 
hung with blossoming vines looms up against the purple background of the mountains. The build- 
ings are in the old Colonial style, with spacious halls and grand stairways, lighted with electricity, 



the hotel has elevator service, electric bells, etc. The drawing room is a palatial salon, half as 
large again as the celebrated East Room in the President's Mansion. The ball room is of the 
same dimensions as the parlor. The dining hall is more than three hundred feet in length and 
seats one thousand and two hundred people. 

The extensive pleasure grounds, perhaps the largest in the country, are set with shrubs and 
flowers and swept by healtli-giving breezes. The vast lawn and grove are intersected with paths 
and drives along which are scattered one hundred or more pretty cottages literally embowered amid 
vines and plants clinging to the side of the mountains, and nestling in the shade of century-old 
trees. 

Applauded is the management for the protection of the beauty and size of the stately pines 
and the oaks of grand proportions. What radiant shades of gold and green are seen upon them, 
as they cast flickering sliadows over the wide grassy lawn, where rosy cheeked little folks disport 
themselves from dawn till sunset. 

Just beyond the lawn proper, Howard's Creek flows through the gently undulating meadows 
of which a glimpse is enjoyed now and then through the boughs of elms and sugar-maples tha,t 
grow upon its banks. 

Outside the grounds nature is riotous with color, the mountain laurel or rhododendron is seen 
in great profusion along the mountain ways and in the park, and the gorgeous blossoms flaunt them- 
selves in the sun, rosy and white as a dream of spring. 



It is especially plentiful about the romantic spot called Lover's Leap, and the guests return 
from their walks and drives laden with masses of bloom. 

A pathetic little story is told of the late Commodore Maury, wlio begged tiiat when he died 
his body should be borne through the Goshen Pass of Virginia when the laurel was in bloom. 
Six months after his death this wish was religiously complied with, the body carefully pre- 
served, was carried along the green ways of his c'lerished State, where the rose and white blossoms 
leaned over the coffin as it passed and scattered glistening daw, like the tears of angels, upon it. 

The roster of delightful people promises to be a lengthy one this season, and a general 
gathering of families from all over the South whose ancestors never failed to come summer after 
summer. 

There was hardly a noted man or woman of the country whose name is not inscribed on 
the ancient registers— the very atmosphere is historical. \\'hile the great ball room, the long 
galleries and the green lawns are redolent with memories of lovely women and chivalrous 
men, whose presence once cast a glamor over this glorious place. The aroma of the past still 
perfumes the groves, the echo of dancing feet lingers in the ballroom, the dim corners of the broad 
piazza still hear tlie lover's \ow and hide the maiden's blush. At White Sulphur une may 
meet personally the descendants of these people in whom their gracious manners and forceful 
personalities are delightfully perpetuated 

The old patrons uf the Springs, who resort here early, have engaged cottages and in a 

28 



few days grandfathers and grandmothers who first met and loved at the "Old White" will be 
seen on the breezy verandas of these dainty villas, surrounded by their children and grand- 
children. Certainly there is no place where more or merrier of these household gods can be 
seen or where they can enjoy themselves with greater safety. The tremendous velvety lawns are 
their playgrounds, the band furnishes music for their dances and lawn parties, and watchful 
attendants look after their comforts. 

White Sulphur was the fashionable resort for Southern beauty, chivalry and wealth in Colonial 
days when our loyal forefathers traced their pedigrees and bore their honors, as all derived from 
close connection with the princes and peers of the Old World. 

It seems like coming home to be here, as you look around, you meet the smiling glances of 
the old servants who have waited on the guests year after year, and seem a part and parcel 
of the place. Only think of a parlor maid, who has seen twenty-seven years of service at this 
hotel; a chambermaid who celebrates her twenty-fifth anniversary; of ball room attendants twenty- 
nine years on duty and porters who have completely identified themselves and their interests with 
the place. One of the valued servitors at the Springs is Maria Adams who has been in the waiting 
room for nearly half a century and whose pleasant voice and respectful manners have made her a 
general favorite with the guests. Maria is one of the old school, faithful, attentive, a keen judge 
of character and always delighted to welcome her friends upon their annual visit to the Old 
White. Sam Rogers boasts of tliirty-five years' service here, and William Bannister has been 

39 



a faithful servitor since 1867. Every employee of tliis place wears the green livery so suggestive 
of ihe Greenbrier Springs. 

No American resort is so filled with historic associations as the "White." In his delightful 
novel, entitled "Their Pilgrimage," Charles Dudley Warner gives a most fascinating description 
of this famous resort, and when the ravages of the Civil War had dimmed its glories "Porte 
Crayon" wrote a series of breezy illustrated articles for Harper's Magazine, which completely re- 
vived the popularity White Sulphur had temporarily lost. 

The old-timer here will delight you with stories and reminiscences of bygone days, when the 
social history of the South was made. He will tell you the romance of William K. Vanderbilt and 
his first wife, then Miss Alva Smith, a daughter of a proud old Southern family, came to the 
springs fair as some modern Cinderella among her more fortunate sisters. At a memorable ball she 
appeared gowned in a cheap black tarleton adorned with scraps of goldenrod, and in this attire 
she captured the heart and hand of the miilti-millionaire. 

The Cinderella of this story is now Mrs. Oliver Belmont and the mother of the Duchess of 
Marlborough. 

The grand Old White, with its beautiful surroundings and brilliant social attractions, has been 
the scene of numberless romantic courtships. In fact, it has been poetically said that the fire flies 
that brighten the nights of summer are all the love words that have been breathed by generations of 
happy lovers. The Prather family, of Louisville, has always found a charm in these Springs, and 

30 



generation after generation have been guests here ni the season. Somewhere in 1835 Mr. Thomas 
Prather, one of the oldest settlers in Louisville, and a leading citizen, came to White Sulphur to 
spend the summer viiith the elegant pleasure-loving gentlemen of the South. As this was prior to 
the era of stage coaches, Mr. Prather and his family travelled in their own coach and four, accom- 
panied by a retinue of servants. With him was his son, Mr. William Prather, and a fair niece. Miss 
Penelope Pope. The former was suffering from a weakness of the eyes, and in order that time 
might not hang heavily on his hands, his beautiful cousin would read to him under the shadow of 
the grand old forest trees. She read of love and romance and her sweet voice fell like music on his 
ear. It is needless to add that the love story thus prettily begun culminated in their marriagle. 
Since then the descendants of this interesting couple have made a pilgrimage to the Springs, the 
scene of this ante-bellum romance. 

There are Mrs. Kate Prather Winston, one of the most agreeable and cultivated of women, to 
whom I am indebted for the little love tale; her bright and popular daughter, Mrs. Penelope 
Winston Allis, affectionately known as "Lady Winston" by her immediate friends, her dainty 
debutante daughter. Miss Margaret Allis, who will make her bow to society this winter. Mrs. 
Winston is the eldest daughter of the lovers so happily married years ago, and the picture of these 
three lovely women, representing three generations, is a charming one indeed. 

Another much beloved memlier of the Prather family is Mrs. George Robinson Hunt, 
nee Mary Prather, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Prather, and one of the beauties of the 

31 



family. This lovely woman whose personal attractions are united with charming manners and 
brilliant intellect is the mother of two handsome daughters, Mrs. S. B. Hutchings and Mrs. George 
Weissinger Smith, and one son, Mr. G. R. Hunt, all of Lousiville. 

Her granddaughter, Miss Elizabeth Hutchings, a chic stylish blonde of sixteen summers, will 
make her bow to society this year. 

It was here also that that popular and elegant gentleman, Mr. Gilmer Adams, of Louisville, 
first wooed and won his handsome wife, nee Lettie Robinson, of his own city. Their courtship was 
one of the pretty romances of that summer at the Springs, and recollections of the sweet hours 
passed when life and love were young now serve as precious memories for their riper years. Mr. 
Adams naturally loves to come here and was at the Home-Coming, accompanied by his 
dainty blonde daughter of sixteen summers. Miss Jessie Adams, and his niece, Miss Louise Robin- 
son, a sparkling brunette and a granddaughter of Mrs. John M. Robinson. They were welcome 
guests at the Old White and added not a little to the joyousness of the Home-Coming. 

The late Mrs, George F. Downes, once beautiful Sallie Ward, of Kentucky, and a famous 
beauty of the United States, at one time wished to leave the springs quietly, so she slipped out 
of a side door to a carriage, enveloped in a long blue cloak. As she drove away some few of 
the spectators caught a glimpse of her and exclaimed, reproachfully: "Oh, Sallie, our queen of 
biauty, how could you ilo us so?" 

Many stories are told of the belles and wits of this old place. One of those best known and 

32 



most admired was Miss Mattie Ould, of Richmond, afterward Mrs. Schoolcraft. Mattie Ould was 
one of the most famous of belles and beauties whose wit was only excelled by her personal loveliness 
and charm of manner and whose face still smiles down from the pictures that hang on memory's 
wall at White Sulphur where she reigned a queen of hearts. Her brilliant sayings are still 
repeated here. Among others, that an old gentleman being fascinated with her appear- 
ance, asked to be presented. She refused, having all the >oung beaux that she desired. It is said 
that one evening in the ball room this old admirer stood near. She dropped her glove. (The old 
man's name was Page.) He rushed forward and, picking up the glove, handing it to her, said: 

"If from your glove you take the letter 'G,' " 
Your glove is love, and that I bear for thee." 

She turned, thanked him, and said : 

"If frt>ni your name you take the letter 'P,' " 
Your Page is age; that will not do for me." 

At a dinner given in honor of Miss Virginia Triplet!, a beautiful belle of White Sulphur, Miss 
Ould, when asked for a toast, charmingly replied : "Grace, beauty and wit make a fair triplctt." 
Another time she was asked by a young girl which she should marry, a Mr. Wise or a Mr. Morri- 
son. She replied, "Oh, hasten, sinner, to be li'isc. Stay not for Tomorrow's Sun." (Morrison). 
To a Mr. Pace whom she disliked, boasting of his success, she said, "Oli, ill weeds grow a Pace." 

33 



A few summers ago when the venerable W. W. Corcoran, of Washington, was a familiar 
figure at "Old White," an interesting romance was told of a Blucgrass belle. A lady who was a 
visitor at tlie time told the story, and Mr. Corcoran showed her the letter : 

"Dear Mr. Corcoran: What are a hundred dollars to you? Nothing. And yet they repre- 
sent to me everything that is beautiful and delightful. With a hundred dollars I could go to White 
Sulphur. I could get muslin dresses, pretty sashes, a leghorn hat just loaded with flowers. And 
oh, I could get a Nile green silk ball gown and a white parasol and everything I would need to 
make me a belle. My grandmother and my mother have been belles there, and I do believe if I 
were just there I could be a belle, too. But how can I go witliout an outfit? Please, dear good 
Mr. Corcoran, send me this small sum and I will bless you all my life. I think I can get a pass 
and I am sure I can get a chaperone, but the outfit! Send vety, very soon. You are so good I 
know you will. Your little friend." 

Mr. Corcoran sent the check, tlie girl came, was a belle, and made a conquest. 

If this old Southern resort could write the memoirs what readings we would have; volumes 
could be filled with tales about the briglit sayings, the comedies and tragedies, the wits and sages, 
beauties and beaux who furnished the company in these halls long ago. 



34 



SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. WEST VIRGINIA, JULY 18. 1908 




IE man or woman wiio loves nature, loves the mountains best." Gay White Sulphur 
life begins like the gay summer season ; joyous, blithesome, free and happy as the 
glorious queen of beauty, "Nature's own sweet summer." 
The Old White is en fete this season, the occasion being its centennial year. Preparations 
are being made to celebrate the anniversary of so many seasons of triumph in an appropriate man- 
ner, and already the guests are hastening to the grand home-coming. The passing years seem but 
to enhance the popularity of the White Sulphur. All times are attractive at this historic old place, 
the one golden link yet remaining between the past and present, still embodying the gay brilliant 
life and generous hospitality, typical of the old South, added to its great natural advantages for 
the physical well-being as well as the enjoyment of the humankind. This week lias been unusually 
gay. Besides the impromiitu festivities constantly arising, a number of informal entertainments 
have been given. Cards are always in evidence, and the beautiful weather has made all out-door diver- 
sions a delight. Professor C. Victor Zebly, of Washington and Baltimore, who has presided over 

35 



this little kingdom of his own for twelve years has begnn his dancing classes, and not the least 
enjoyable time of the evening is the children's hour in the ball room. 

Representative people from all over the country, and even from Europe, are here, and it would 
be difficult to find a more brilliant array of gallant men and beautiful women and children. 

Prominent among the guests are the Minister from Norway and his wife. Mr. Ove Gude 
and Madam Elna Gude, born in Stiernholm. They are accompanied by Mr. Skybak, first secretary 
of the Legation, and are great acquisitions to our circle. Both husband and wife have lovely 
voices, and entertain their friends most delightfully at their hospitable cottage. The Min- 
ister brought his own piano from Xorway, while his wife is a wizard of the bow. Mr. and 
Mrs. Gude are so American in their manner and speech that you would never suspect they hail 
from the land of the reindeer and skii, of which King Edward's handsome daughter is Queen. 

Mrs. John W. Beckley and her lovely daughters of Louisville, arrived this week and will take 
part in our Greenbrier home-coming. 

Mrs. Beckley, with her brilliant and attractive daughters. Misses Florence and Georgie 
Beckley, are descendants from a long line of noble ancestors, namely, Beckleys, Pen- 
dletons. Masons, Admiral Semmes, Dandridges and Washington. George Washington's grand- 
father was their fiftli great-grandfather. William Dandridge, father of Martha Washington, was 
the fourth great-grandfather. 

Maj. J. A. McMullen, of Louisville, was an officer in the Civil War. He is an entertaining 

36 



talker. His father and three brothers, all of whom were officers, lost their lives in battle. Presi- 
dent McKinlcy gave Maj. McMullcn's two sons commissions in the regular army during the Span- 
ish-American War. By special request they were allowed to wear their family swords. Maj. 
McMuIIen has been walking over the old battlefields, renewing memories of the war. He once 
brought several prisoners to the White Sulphur. 

Sprightly little Clarice Hewitt Leavell, from the Falls City, is the guest of her aunt, Miss 
McDowell. This bewitching young damsel is a special pet at the Springs and the brag pupil of the 
professor of dancing. Her fifth great grandfather, Thomas Nelson, was an officer in the Revolu- 
tionary Army, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of Virginia in 
1781. 

Mrs. Sweat, a lady well known in Washington and beloved for her many admirable qualities, 
was the wife of a former member of Congress from Maine. 

She still retains possession of her elegant old colonial home there, which is so filled with 
souvenirs of travel in many lands that it resembles a delightful museum of treasures. Thus pos- 
sessing vast information, having been lour times around the world, slie is considered a most 
agreeable acquisition at the White Sulphur, where she is spending some time. 

Mrs. Elizabeth D Van Culin, of Philadelphia, accompanied by her son, Mr. William T. Van 
Culin, is enjoying a visit here. Mrs. Van Culin's charming personality evidences her descent 
from the noted Du Piiy and Trabue families, French Huguenots. She is also a descendant of the 

37 



Beaufort family, English Buford, the first of whom settled in Virginia in 1638. Her grandfather 
and his brothers fought in the Revolutionary War. 

Captain Joseph Manigault, of South Carolina, who has been one of the regular habitues of 
the White more than three score years, and probably knows more of its history than any other per- 
son living, has returned for the present summer. Captain Manigault recalls with pride the "bons 
comrades" of Henry Clay, of Kentucky (who, if introduced to you today, would recognize and salute 
you by name ten years afterwards), when the great notable asked permission from the young 
lad of seventeen for a light from his cigar. 

Professor Charles A. Graves, of the Law faculty of the University of Virginia, is here accom- 
panied by his wife. Mrs. Graves was the daughter of Rev. Dr. J. L. Kirkpatrick, formerly of the 
Washington and Lee University. 

Dr. R. W. Green. University of Virginia, is a familiar figure at the Old White. Dr. Green 
is a man of extensive travel, witli a mind stored with intellectual riches, a feeling heart, simplicity of 
life, and elegance of taste. 

Judge and Mrs. William H. White, of Richmond, left tliis week for a trip to Yellow Stone 
Park. They are splendid types of the cultured aristocratic Virginian. 

Dr. R. C. Bryan, of Richmond, is physician here. He is a very dignified and agreeable man 
and has won honors in his profession. The medical profession of Richmond has another dis- 
tinguished representative at the Springs in the person of Dr. George Ross, an annual guest here 
many years. 

38 



Mr. and Mrs. John D. Potts, of Richmond, art here with their lovely debutante daughter and 
bright young son. Mr. Potts, one of the most courteous and affable of gentlemen, has recently 
been made General Passenger Agent at his old home in Richmond, while Mrs. Potts, an attractive 
woman of varied personal charms, is a general favorite with all the guests. As Miss Nell Potts 
has spent every summer of her life at the Springs, she might flatteringly be styled an adopted 
daughter of the "Old White." Young John D. Potts, the Second, is the pride and delight of the 
ball room. 

Other well known and recent additions to the guests of honor to tlie home-coming are Mr. G. 
T. Glasgow, of Richmond, and his lovely daughters, Mrs. H. F. Houston, Mrs. Wilcox, and 
Miss Ellen Glasgow. Mrs. Clarke, accompanied by her daughter. Miss Josephine, and young son, 
Glasgow Clarke, will join the family later. A lovely, elderly woman who is receiving much atten- 
tion is Mrs. Coleman Wortham, of Richmond, with her daughter, Mrs. Charles Wortham, a grace- 
ful and agreeable acquisition to the company. 

Petersburg, Va., is represented by Mr. and Mrs. John McGill, annual visitors season after season. 
Mr. McGill is the bearer of one of the most distinguished names of the old Dominion, while Mrs. 
McGill is well known and beloved for her many admirable charms. 

Two very agreeable and cultured women are the Misses Julia and Priscilla Ward, of Nor- 
folk, who having traveled extensively in foreign lands, are most interesting and popular guests. 
Mrs. M. F. Reis, another social favorite of Norfolk, is here, accompanied by her popular young son, 
M. Forney Reis, the second, and tiny Mary Kensett Reis. 

39 



The following comprise more recent arrivals : Mr. Wm. A. Warren, of "Bacon's Castle," his 
picturesque old home on the James River, is accompanied by his daughter and grand- 
daughter, Mrs. R. L. Powers and cunning little Sarah Powers, of Richmond. Also with Mr. Warren 
are his two granddaughters. Misses Sarah and Elizabeth Wilson, of Wilson's Landing, Va. 

Mrs. F. H. Kendall, a prominent society leader and social entertainer, of the historic city of 
Columbia, S. C, is accompanied by her bright young son, Francis H. Kendall, the second. Mrs. 
Kendall is an attractive woman of varied personal clianiis. who ha? graced the company from 
every standpoint. 

Among the popular guests at the Springs season after season are Col. and Mrs. Rudolph S. Turk, 
of Staunton, Va. The Colonel, a well-known lawyer, has a large practice in West Virginia, as 
well as in his own state. He is also prominent in journalistic circles and at his suburban home at 
Staunton he is very fond of indulging in his favorite pursuit — gardening. He is tall, fine looking, 
and has the most winning manners and conversation which endear him to all. His wife is a lovely 
woman and her presence is always a welcome addition to social circles at the Old White. 



40 



SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA. JULY 23, 1908 




HE season is now on in earnest, and the guests at the Old White are enjoying the most 
incomparable weather. Owing to the intense heat in the cities, every incoming train adds 
its quota to the number who are arriving daily in order to take part in the home- 
coming and the many grand affairs arranged for its proper celebration. After all, the charm 
of the Old White is the certainty one has of each year meeting many of the same people, and 
one season here gives one the feeling of home-coming which has endeared the place to so 
many generations. Everybody desires to be on hand for the tirst annual Greenbrier Horse 
Show also : the entries are filling up rapidly, and the display on this momentous occasion 
promises to be one of wonderful triumphs. We are thrilled with enthusiasm by the bright 
red posters announcing that Gen. Watts, 2 :o6f4 champion three-year-old trotter, will go an 
exhibition mile, including twelve classes of harness and saddle horses. 

Mrs. Sanford Kellogg, of Washington, widow of the late Col. Sanford Kellogg, of the navy, 
has joined our charmed circle. Mrs. Kellogg has very attractive manners and is a handsome, fasci- 
nating and original woman. She is devoted to the Old White and shows her devotion by returning 

every season. 

41 



Miss Fendall, of VVasliingtun City, an interesting and accomplished girl, is chaperoned at White 
Sulpliur hy Mr. and Mrs. Vv'estiiioreiaiiJ Davis, of Leesburg, Va. 

Chief of Staff Major General Franklin Bell, and Mrs. Bell, of Washington, are expected here 
August I. 

General Alshire, the quartermaster general from Washington, recently promoted to that position, 
is a guest at the Springs. 

Inspector General E. A. Garlington is making tlie animal inspection of the West Point Acad- 
emy and will join his family here next montli. 

Leesburg is spendidly represented by Mr. and Mrs. \\ cstmoreland Davis, whose magnificent 
home, Morven Park, was formerly owned by Governor Swan, of Maryland, and is one of the show 
places in the State, and situated in tlie midst of a famous hunting country. Mr. Davis holds the 
envied office of a master of the hounds of the London Hunt Club. House parties are numerous; 
last Thanksgiving tliere were twenty-six guests in the home, and on Cliristmas twenty-five shared 
their hospitality. Among them was Clarence Moore, of Washington, master of hounds for nine 
years, and Mr. tlitchcock, of Boston, another famous hunter, who held the same office. Mr. and 
Mrs. Davis have recently returned from spending the season in London. 

Year after year the hunting set of New York and Boston assemble at Morven Park for the 
annual meet, some of the guests riding to hounds, while others follow the gay cavalcade in car- 
riages and join them at luncheon. In the evening handsome dinners and hunt balls are given, the 

42 



men dancing in their "pink" coats, the women wearing the most elaborate evening gowns and 
jewels. Mrs. Davis was a Miss Inman, of New York City, and is noted as a queen of hostesses, 
and is one of the most accomplished horsewomen in the States. 

A striking attraction of the Springs this summer is the number of young girls, all in the first 
bloom of youth, and a veritable rosebud garden of girls. These charming young women go in for 
athletics, holding high carnival about the tennis courts and in the great pool of mineral water. 

The most brilliant cotillion that has been given this summer was danced on Friday evening, 
delightfully led by Mr. and Mrs. John A. Tliayer, of Charleston, \V. Va. 

Among the number of new figures that were introduced was the popular Barn Dance, that has 
so recently sprung into favor at the Old White. It will be an interesting feature in the Hunt Ball. 
Herr Carl B. Neumann, director of the Columbia Theatre orchestra, of Washington, is in charge 
of our music, and has arranged some beautiful programs. 

A sprightly girl who received much flattering attention at the debutante gernian, as the 
cotillion was christened, was Miss Garlington, the young daughter of Inspector General Garlington, 
of Washington. Among the belles of the summer are the Misses Lemmon, neices of Col. Richard 
Dulany, welcome additions to the charming coterie. 

From Athens, Ga., come the three Graces, as the Phinizy sisters have been called. Anne is a 
graceful brunette, whose handsome face is lighted by the brightest of dark Southern eyes. Boiling 
is a brunette with brown eyes and silken hair of tl'.e same hue ; the dancing of this bewitching girl 

43 



is the very poetry of motion, while young Martha Suzanne bids fair to be as radiant as her hand- 
some brunette mother. 

Tall, handsome and charming. Miss Emma Gray White, of Richmond, is a superb type of the 
stately belles of the Old Dominion. Miss White is a graceful equestrian, and will ride her own 
mount in the coming Horse Show. 

Miss Ellen Glasgow, the accomplished and brilliant authoress of Richmond, Va., attracts with 
her gentle virtues and loveliness. 

Mrs. John Chisolmn, of New York City, a magnificent looking gentlewoman of noble mien, 
with glowing dark eyes, returned, as usual, for the season at White Sulphur. 

Mrs. Chisolnm delights in the guardianship of her brilliant young nephew, Mr. Marion Whaley, 
who is enroute to New York from a summer sojourn at Hays Gold Mine, near Glenwood Springs, 
Colorado. 

A distinguished representation from Covington, Va., Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis Parrish, after 
an absence of several months in Europe, are here now. The former is the prominent corporation 
lawyer of the C. & O. Railroad, whose lovely wife, nee Miss Gray Morehead, of New York, was a 
favorite belle at the Old White, and greatly admired for her many charms of manner, vivacity and 
brilliance of wit. 

Among the many lovely women at the White, none are more popular and more admired than 
Mrs. Louis Storrow Greene, of Alexandria, Va., who, with her pretty blue-eyed boy, Julian Thomp- 
son, is spending the month's end at the White. 

44 



Mr. Hari P. Mitra, of Calcutta, India, a Cornell University student, is touring the country 
studying our natural resources. Mr. Mitra came to White Sulphur this week to investigate the 
United States Government Fisheries, which is one of the many points of interest in this locality. 

Truly the wise men of the East or Old World may learn of great men of the new Wes.tern 
World. 

There is something that appeals to all tastes at the "Old White." If you care for nature, there 
are red dawns and golden sunsets ; billow on billow of purple mountains, clouldless moonlight nights 
and a scenery and climate that are ever changing and always glorious. It was here where the great 
men and lovely women of the South feasted, lived and loved in Ihe golden time of old. Verily, 
there is nothing so enchanting as to take a little journey into the past with its great and lovely 
memories. 

Major Thomas L. Broun, of Charleston, W. Va.. and his lovely wife are enjoying the home- 
coming season. 

Truly may it be said : 

"You may break, ye may shatter, the vase as ye will 
The scent of the rose will linger there still." 

Major Broun, though sliattercd and broken by his presence and reminiscenses, sheds abroad 
the sweet, dead past of the Old South — the strange contrast of his first coming to White Sulphur in 

4S 



i8so, in the halcyon days before the war, when he drove in his coach with four-in-hand. Major 
Broun was a Confederate voluateer in the Kanawha Regiment of Charleston, \V. Va., and in 
August, 1861, was promoted by General Wise to the rank of Major of liis regiment. 

Mrs. Edward D. Christian, of Richmond, a lovely and most lovable woman, arrived this week, 
accompanied by her debutante daughter. Miss Dorothy Cliristian, who is one of the most graceful 
dancers here and a regular pocket Venus of a girl. 

From Richmond, that city of feminine loveliness, comes the elegant Mrs. Thomas P. Rutherford 
and her dainty blonde daughter, pretty Miss Gwendolyn. 

An agreeable acquisition is tall, graceful Miss Mary Lyons, of Richmond, who is the guest of 
Miss Eftie Branch, of the same city. A handsome matron from Richmond is Mrs. J. D. Simmons. 
She has beautiful, dark bright eyes, a graceful figure and dresses exquisitely. Her two sons, 
Walter and Reginald, arc favorites with all here. Mrs. G. B. McAdams, of Richmond, is liere with 
her piquant, brunette daughter, son, and daughter-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. McAdams are 
resting quietly in their cozy cottage in Baltimore Row. Among those who are not taking any part 
in the social gayeties are Mrs. Barton H. Grundy, of Richmond, and her bright, young daughter, 
darling Miriam. Others who have re.turned for the season and are resting quietly are: Mrs. J. W. 
Maddin, of Nashville, accompanied by her lovely daughter, Mrs. Louise M. Brown and her grace- 
ful, yuung granddaughter. 

Another agreeable woman here is Mrs. Thomas Benton Xeale, a Virginian, whose home is now 

46 



in Nashville, Tenn., accompanied l)y her cliarniing daughter. Mrs. W. P. Rutland, and beautiful 
baby granddaughter Ellenora. 

Mrs. W. H. Ross of Mobile, Ala., and her lovely daughter, Aliss Eugenia Ross, and popular 
Mr. Frank Ross, have arrived, and are comfortably established in their cottage on the terraced Tan- 
sas Row. These delightful people are prominently identified with the "Old V\'hite" and have been 
annual guests here for a number of years. 

Washingtonians have always had a great fondness for the Old White, and Mr. and Mrs. R. Ross 
Perry, of that city, have ever been popular visitors at the Springs. Mr. Perry is one of the most 
distinguished lawyers at the Washington bar. He is a cultured and agreeable gentleman, who has 
travelled extensively and speaks seven languages fluently. His wife is one of those sunny-tempered 
women who make friends wherever they go. Her grandfather came to Washington from Phila- 
delphia in 1801 when the seat of Government was removed to that city and held a high position in 
its service. His home was one of the seven houses first built in \\'ashingtun and his clever grand- 
daughter was born under the roof of this ancestral home which is still standing. 

Mr. and Mrs. Perry have a handsome residence of their own at the Capital and when they visit 
the Old White they always receive a warm Virginia welcome. 

Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Goldsboro have arrived and are taking an active part in the home-coming 
festivities. Mr. Goldsboro has attained fame and fortune as a prominent lawyer of Washington. 
Mrs. Goldsboro is an agreeable woman of most gracious and attractive manners. 

47 



Charming Mrs. R. Hunter Dulaney and her beautiful daughter, of Washington, are here for the 
season, aristocrat's "au bout des angles." 

Mr. and Mrs. John Middlcton, of New York City, occupy their picturesque villa in Virginia 
Row. The Middleton cottage is lavishly decorated both within and without and is year after year 
the center of a generous hospitality. 

Mr. T. B. Yuille, of the city of New York, also is here for the home-coming, accompanied by 
his agreeable wife and four dainty blonde daughters, Ellen, Melissa, Burkes and Nancy, school girls 
as yet and very graceful dancers. 

We have been shaking hands with ourselves this week over a bouquet tossed us by Mr. Logan 
C. Murray, President of the American National Bank of Louisville. He declared he had visited 
numerous resorts and had come in contact with many courteous, cultured people, but the society of 
the "Old White" eclipsed that of any other place. 

Verily ; as has been well said, "It is indeed a liberal education to spend one season at the White 
Sulphur Springs." 



48 




Flonda Row 



SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCL 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA, JULY 31, 1908 




] E are now preparing for our grand centennial celebration and home-coming week ; and 
the Old White is rapidly filling up with guests from all over the country. So many 
and varied are the social affairs arranged for this week that invitations are being 
showered upon us daily. The round of gaieties will include elegant dinners, suppers, lawn fetes, 
tournaments, and luncheons al fresco, and then, oh I the Greenbrier Horse Show and Hunt Ball. 
It is probable that the Hon. William H. Taft, the Republican nominee for President, will accept 
an invitation to be present during the week. Mr. and Mrs. Taft have many friends at the Springs 
and are prominent people, so it is intended to make their sojourn with us a red letter affair in their 
summer calendar, and something pleasant to look back upon after the close of the coming presi- 
dential campaign. Mrs. Rawlins Lowndes, of Charleston, S. C, arrived this week. Tall, handsome 
and graceful in bearing, Mrs. Lowndes has always been recognized as the social leader of society 
here, as she is at home. It would not be possible to find a more elegant grande dame. Her 
home in Charleston is a historical residence. Mr. Lowndes has lived there for three score and ten 
years and his father and grandfather dispensed a royal hospitality beneath its roof before him. 

49 



The large, stately rooms are filled with magnificent old mahogany furniture, almost priceless 
in value, and antique silver that was once the property of that famous Governor, Lowndes, who 
kept his State in the grand historic home in colonial days. This beautiful old home is on Bay 
Street, fronting the great bay on which Fort Sumter is situated. It is three stories in height and 
has three galleries along the side. Like most of the antique Southern homes of Charleston it is 
built on the street, and you enter by a door that opens from the wide gallery. 

Capt. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee, with their young daughters, pretty Anne Carter, aged eleven, and 
graceful Mary Custis, eight years of age, are occupying their cottage in Baltimore Row. Capt. Lee is 
the youngest son of General Robert E. Lee and bears the name the whole nation loves and venerates. 
He and his wife are valuable acquisitions to social circles at the Springs. 

Miss Mary Lee daughter of the popular Idol of the South, is traveling in Europe this year; 
her absence makes a great gap in our joyous home-coming feasts. 

Mrs. Frances Fearn, born in Louisville, Ky., and widow of the late Hon. Walker Fearn, Minis- 
ter to Rouniania, Servia and Greece, paid us a flying visit this month and will return to the Old 
White in August to deliver her lecture, "A Message of Love to the Blind." Mrs. Fearn is a lovely 
and highly gifted woman, a personal friend of Queen Carmen Sylva, of Roumania, whose message 
of good cheer to the sightless she has been commissioned to deliver personally throughout the 
country. Mrs. Fearn is both beautiful and brilliant, fascinating in manners and conversation, and 



SO 



will be doubly welcome coming as she does as the spokeswoman and representative of that gra- 
cious personality, Queen Carmen Sylva. 

"Meet me at the Meadows," is the cry at present, "The Meadows" being the magnificent stock 
farm of that popular gentleman, Mr. Thornton Lewis, of Cincinnati, and the scene of the forth- 
coming Greenbrier County Horse Show, which will be held there August 7 and 8. Mr. Lewis has 
had a fine mile track laid out, a grandstand built, and provided every convenience for the patrons 
and exhibitors of the show, which promises to be one of the swell events of the season. Mr. 
Lewis and family reside in a handsome colonial home near the Springs and entertain royally and 
often, both at White Sulphur and under their own roof and rafters. Their two children, Alice, 
aged fourteen, and Lawrence, aged twelve, have their choice of numberless ponies and carts, and 
there are fully sixty-five blooded horses on the farm. Dashing red posters and postal cards adver- 
tising the show have been sent out, and we are now getting out our best becomes, in readiness for 
the jolly occasion. 

One of the brilliant affairs arranged for the home-coming season will be a Hunt Ball to be 
given at tlie springs on the evening of August 7 by the men guests of the Old White. A number of 
grand aft'airs are on the tapis for the entire month. A magnificent bal poudre Century Ball will be 
given by the ladies complimentary to the men who entertain so lavishly during the entire season. 

A delightful couple now here are Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wellington Cobb, of New York City, 
with their daughter and young son. Mr. and Mrs. Cobb are North Carolinians by birth, coming 

SI 



originally from Greensboro. Mrs. Cobb is one of the most beautiful women at the springs, with 
glorious soft brown eyes and an exquisite face. Mr. Cobb is a man in the very prime of life, tall, 
fine looking and very courtly in his manners. Their lovely daughter was one of the young girls 
who danced in the cotillion this week. 

From Charleston, S. C, come Mr. and Mrs. John Calhoun Simonds, accompanied by their young 
daughter, Elizabeth, and their bright boy, John Calhoun Simonds, the second. Mrs. Simonds is a 
tall, graceful brunette, her beautifully appointed modern home is on East Battery, Charleston, and 
commands a magnificent view of the bay and old Fort Sumter. 

Mr. and Mrs. McEwen Johnston, of Macon, Ga., are here accompanied by their beautiful daugh- 
ter. Miss Viola Johnston. These aristocratic Southerners received an ovation upon their arrival, 
after an absence of four years. 

An attractive representative of the society of the Windy City is Mrs. George Evans Davis, 
who is accompanied by Mrs. George Van Hagen, of Cincinnati. These charming ladies are sis- 
ters of Mrs. Thornton Lewis, of the Queen City. iMrs. Davis is an accomplished whip and will 
drive her horses tandem in the forthcoming Horse Show. 

Among the arrivals this week was Mrs. Andrew Bradley, of Washington, born Julia Kellogg. 
Mrs. Bradley was a belle at the "Old White" during her girlhood and was given a Whilte Sulphur wel- 
come on her arrival. Mrs. Isham Hornsby, of Washington City, who has not visited White Sulphur 
for several seasons past, is with us once more and is a social favorite; her bright, dark eyes, silvery 

52 



hair, and stately bearing give her a picturesque appearance. Mrs. Hornsby is a daughter of the 
late Judge Jere Black. Her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Evans, of the army, 
arrived this week and will remain for the season. 

Mr. Eugene Herman Tricon, paymaster of the army, and Mrs. Tricon, are here this summer. 
Mrs. Tricon is a brunette, very charming, and both she and her husband are taking an active part 
in the social gaieties. 

Among the interesting guests we are attracted by a few ladies who do not take part in gaieties, 
yet who win unrivalled admiration. A beautiful bunch of white roses, as it were, women in the 
golden autumn time of life. No guest is better known nor more appreciated than Mrs. George E. 
Bagby, of Richmond, Va., who shows her devotion to the Old White by returning every season. Nor- 
folk is represented by Mrs. Benjamin C. Gray, a woman coming of the most distinguished ancestry, 
and gifted with most gracious manners. Mrs. Gray was a debutante and belle at White Sulphur in 
1844. Mrs. Edward C. Robinson, of Richmond, is one of the handsomest women at the White. 
She wears her silvery hair like a Duchess, while her elegant manners attract all. 

Another popular elderly guest is Mrs. W. W. Bruce, of Lexington, Ky., distinguished for her 
brilliancy of wit and ready humor. 

Among the prominent habitues of the Springs, are Col. John P. Branch and his lovely daughter, 
of Richmond. Miss Branch and her father are popular representatives of the high-bred, gener- 
ous hospitality of the South. Col. Branch has been a visitor here fifty-five seasons, and is de- 
lightful to know, besides being a liberal, progressive man. 

S3 



One of the happiest families here, and one that seems to thoroughly enjoy cottage life, are Mrs. 
J. W. Reinhart, of Plainfield, N. J., and her interesting daughter and granddaughters, Mr. and 
Mrs. John A. Thayer, of Charleston, W. Va., and dainty Mary Elizabeth and petite Josephine. 

Mr. and Mrs. Henry T. Ellett, of Richmond have arrived. Mr. Ellett first visited the "Old 
White" in 1867. Mrs. Ellett is a woman of cordial and gracious manners, a favorite with all. 

Baltimore will be well represented this season and the colony already numbers many visitors. 

Mrs. H. S. Lumpkin and her sister, Mrs. M. E. Sindall, are here again accompanied by Mr. 
and Mrs. James Clarke and their daughter, lovely Miss Suzanne Clark. Mr. Clark is a prominent 
banker of Baltimore and has acquired wealth and distinction. 

Mrs. Warren Elliott, of Baltimore, who has not been here for several seasons, is with us this 
year. Miss Bessie Elliott, her brilliant daughter, has received much flattering attention, while 
her son, Mr. Charles Elliott, is one of the most graceful dancers at the Springs. Mr. and Mrs. 
S. W. Helm, of New York City, and their pretty, brunette daughter, aged thirteen, are here for the 
home-coming. Mrs. Helm was a Baltimore belle, her mother, Mrs. W. T. Brantly, a famous 
beauty of Georgia. Mr. Helm is a member of the big Tobacco Trust of New York. He is a 
North Carolinian by birth, and a genial, popular gentleman. Mr. Wm. Fell Johnson, of Rockland, 
Md., after a visit of some length at the Old White, much to tlie regret of his friends, has returned 
home. 

Monday afternoon Mrs. Henrietta Campbell Lay and Miss Anne Campbell, of Baltimore, gave 

54 



a picturesque Lawn Fete to which general invitations were issued, while the guests of honor were 
Capt. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee. The attendance was large and the very names of the hostesses a 
sufficient guarantee of a delightful time for one and all. 

At this beautiful fete cliampetre a wit remarked, speaking of the brilliancy of the guests, that 
though they had no tea, it was evident they had an abundance of rcparte, and that of the sparkling 
variety. 

Other well known and recent arrivals: Mr. and Mrs. J. Adger Smythe, of Charleston, S. C. 
Mr. Smythe has occupied prominent positions of eminence and distinction in his famed city, while 
Mrs. Smythe is possessed of rare accomplishments and reminds one of Paul Hamilton Hayne's 
Charleston and its beautiful women. 



55 

/ / 



r^ 



/ 



'\J 



SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA, AUGUST 6. 1908 



^3^1 VERYTHING and everybody here is en fete. Once the center of the country's fashionable 
l ^^^w I'f*^. the Old White, whose history teems with triumphs of all the great American belles 
""^*~'""^^ ' and chivalrous beaux, presents, during these weeks, a scene of animation reminiscent of 
its past glories. 

This week guests arrived daily and hourly, and it seemed like a genuine, old-fashioned home- 
coming indeed, when the newcomers were received with open arms and little shouts of joy by old 
friends of past seasons. Our days are literally congested with amusements ; polo aquatic parties, 
bridge, which devotees cling to as tenaciously as did Horatio of old, tennis tournaments, elegant din- 
ners, series of suppers, the Horse Show and the grand Hunt Ball, all demonstrate that White Sul- 
phur has a horse on all other resorts. One hears nothing but horse talk now, coaching parties are 
all the rage, and the springs brake, or, "our brake," as we call it, is painted a dashing red and drawn 
by four spanking bays. 

One of the social features of the week was the gay coaching party given by Mr. and Mrs. John 
Middleton, of New York, who were driven to the old Sweet Springs, and returned by the light 
of the moon. 

56 



That most delightful lecturer and social favorite, Burr Mcintosh, gave a charming talk here 
Monday evening, taking for his subject Secretary Taft's visit to the Orient, and after listening to 
him and enjoying the wonderful display of interesting pictures, we are now en rapport with every- 
thing connected with the triumphal swing around the circle of our Presidential candidate and 
guest. 

Mrs. John D. Potts, of Richmond, gave a tennis tournament to the young people, which lasted 
several days and was hotly contested. The prize was a silver loving cup. 

Thursday morning, Mrs. Louis W. Haskell, of New York, gave a large and brilliant bridge 
party for men and women in the drawing room, the guests of honor being Mrs. Langdon Cheves 
and Mrs. A. Thesmar, of Savannah. The decorations, tally cards, prizes and menu were lovely, and 
the affair a most enjoyable one. The game called for twelve tables, and one dozen handsome 
prizes were awarded. 

So many entertainments are on the cards, so to speak, for the month, that engagements are 
being made two weeks ahead, and the pleasure-seekers will have no rest until the gay season comes 
to an end. 

An elegant dinner was given here Friday evening by Dr. and Mrs. T. M. Chatard, of Washington. 
The floral decorations were beautiful and the menu a gem. The Chatards are delightful people, 
who come annually to the springs, and always entertain most agreeably. 



57 



Secretary and Mrs. Taft were with us Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and nothing 
was neglected to make their visit a regular ovation. 

Mrs. Worthington, of Louisville, Ky., born Minnie Osborn, is here with her dainty niece. Miss 
Emily Bland, a petite blonde beauty, who is numbered among the belles, and who comes of the 
famous Bland family of Petersburg, Va. 

Mrs. Worthington is the widow of the distinguished army surgeon, and a niece of the late 
Isham Henderson, of Louisville. 

But the ball, the ball ! Blessed be tlie merry spirits who set the ball a-rolling. On this memora- 
ble evening the ball-room suggested a great forest ablaze with light and color, and filled with music. 
The woods were stripped to furnish the cedar which hung from the walls, the chandeliers and the 
elevated stand, sacred to the musicians ; ropes, garlands, screens of beautiful green loaded the air 
with balsamic odors. Immense rosettes of blue, yellow, crimson and white were used to fasten the 
ropes of evergreens to the chandeliers, and in the center of each there was suspended a large silver 
horse shoe. Two life-size papier mache horses represented in the act of jumping hurdles, ornamented 
the musicians' stand, and these were ridden by gentlemen in hunting coats of pink. Those who took 
part in the grand march into the ball-room, assembled in the drawing room and then following our 
distinguished guests, Mr. and Mrs. Taft, marched the length of the long gallery. 

The cotillion was led by Mr. and Mrs. John A Thayer, of Charlestown, W. Va. Mr. Thayer 
carried the American flag while Mrs. Thayer was standardbearer of the colors of the Confederacy. 

58 



Many couples bearing the National and Confederate flags marched behind them, and the music 
chosen for the lead was the inspiring strains of "Dixie." All the figures introduced were suggestive 
of the Horse Show. Men in pink coats driven by merry maidens who jumped miniature hurdles. 
There were five-in-hand of men with pretty women in gorgeous ball gowns holding the reins, and 
four-in-hand of bright-eyed, silken-haired beauties showing their paces while the gentlemen handled 
the ribbons. The favors were horse shoes for luck, whips, jockey caps, saddles, and all sorts of 
dainty and beautiful souvenirs suggestive of the first gentlemen of the land, for the time being, 
at least. 

The centennial of the Old White and that of Johann Strauss, the waltz king, are both this sum- 
mer, and Director Carl L. Neumann, honored the memory of the composer by arranging a program 
of his waltzes for the big ball. The beautiful Blue Danube was the star feature, and the meeting of 
old friends in old haunts has revived the fondness for the lovely dance music of other days. The 
waltz belongs to the Germans and Austrians, and since the time when the soldiers of Napoleon in- 
troduced it into Paris, musicians have vied with one another in composing their most exquisite 
strains for tliis dance, but few have equaled and none excelled the great Viennese. 

The Greenbrier County Horse Show which concluded the week-end festivities, attracted hun- 
dreds of inland lovers of the sport, with Bar Harbor and Newport horse shows yet to come. 

While blue ribbons and silver cups held a conspicuous place on the program for the week, the 
Old White four hundred were in full swing. So splendid an affair as the Horse Show will be a great 

59 



drawing card, and the name of Thornton Lewis, its sponsor, will be heralded by fame all over the 
country. 

The Horse Show and Hunt Ball, graced by the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Taft and thousands of 
guests, passed off in a blaze of glory. Never was there a more magnificent display of beauty, grace 
and elaborate toilets, the women appearing like so mony gorgeous flowers. A number of Kentucky 
thoroughbreds were entered in the show, and when the prizes had been awarded, and the famous 
ball came off, Mr. and Mrs. Taft not only took part in the grand march with its long line of lovely 
women and courtly men, but they also danced, thereby adding to the general satisfaction of the 
crowd which had assembled to do them honor. Twenty-five very handsome cups were awarded 
at the show, the Springs Company being foremost in the number of its awards, while the Watts 
Cup was the largest and most valuable prize that was offered. 

Among the arrivals who have spent the month of August here time out of mind are Mr. and 
Mrs. Charles H. Pettet, of Louisville. 

Mr. Pettet is a prominent and successful business man of that city, while Mrs. Pettet is one of 
the most popular matrons, admired for her vivacity and gracious ways, and with her prematurely 
silvered locks and handsome bearing, make a very distingue and attractive woman at White 
Sulphur. 

Rev. Arthur N. Coles, of Philadelphia, is with us once more for his annual August vacation. 

Mr. and Mrs. Julian T. Burke, of Alexandria, Va., have also been with us, and their pretty 

sixteen year old daughter. Miss Esther Burke, was a member of the party. 

60 



Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Semple, of St. Louis, have returned for their summer sojourn at the 
White. Miss Emerine Semple spent the month of July with a camping party in the East and will 
join her parents in August for the home-coming festivities. 

Miss Mary Elvira Cook and her brother, Mr. Henry Carleton Cook, of Columbus, Ga., annual 
visitors to the Old White for many years, arrived here August i and have taken part in the home- 
coming festivities. 

Miss Cook is the only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James C. Cook, her father having been 
a man of culture and means, while her mother was accounted one of the most brilliant women of 
her day. Mr. Cook was a frequent visitor at the White Sulphur up to the time of his death; and it 
was his custom to come here in ante-bellum days in his own carriage escorted by trained family 
servants. 

Miss Cook is a dignified and lovely woman, she has brilliant dark eyes, black hair and a fair 
yet rose complexion. Her manners are those of the typical Southern woman, sweet, gracious and 
perfectly unaffected. 

The affection existing between Miss Cook and her brother, Mr. Henry Carlton Cook, is most 
beautiful. They are constantly together and Mr. Cook is a brilliant raconteur and has a readiness 
of repartee which makes his conversation a source of delight to one and all. This week Mr. and 
Miss Cook had for their guest the Rev. J. S. McElroy, of Columbus, Ga., whose ancestors were 
among the famous McElroys of Kentucky. Dr. McElroy is a clergyman of the Presbyterian 

6i 



Church, a very eloquent devine, in the prime of life. It was regretted that he could only remain 
with us for the brief space of tliree or four days. 

The Misses Charlotte and Rose Briscoe, of Knoxville, Tenn., superb beauties, two buds upon 
one stem as it were, are here, chaperoned by their aunt, Mrs. Tully R. Cornick, a gracious, elegant 
woman. The Misses Briscoe have received any amount of attention, and will carry away many 
hearts enslaved by their charms. 

Foremost among the entertainers this season has been Mr. Walter H. Henderson, of New 
York City. He is a handsome, agreeable beau, and has been the host of numberless breakfasts, 
luncheons, Tally-ho parties, dinners, dances and suppers. This is his seventh consecutive season at 
the "Old White," and he is bon garcon with all the belles and beaux. 

The Governor of Virginia and Mrs. Swanson are great social favorites. Mrs. Swanson is ad- 
mired for her magnificent presence, and is always gowned with taste and elegance. Mrs. Warren 
J. Flick, of New York City, takes her place among the distingue and liandsome women of the 
Springs. Mrs. Julian S. Ogden, widow of a distinguished naval officer, is here from Washington. 
Mrs. Ogden is a handsome and gracious woman. Mrs. Elijah Bohon, of Louisville, a dignified 
and lovable woman, is enjoying a visit to the White, where she has made many friends. 

So brilliant is the list that it seems almost impossible to chronicle all the charming women who 
come to the Old White. Conspicuous among them however is Miss Octavia Bates, of Baltimore, 
one of the progressive and distinguished women of America. Miss Bates is a member of that 

62 



famous organization, The International Coiuicil of Women, and enjoyed the distinction of reading 
a paper before that body at the meeting held in London in 1899. She was a delegate from the 
Maryland Line Chapter of the D. A. R. April, 1909, and read a most forceful paper before the 
different congresses of women at the Cohmibiaii Exposition in Chicago. 

It would be difficult to find a more popular woman or one more unspoiled by the honors thus 
lavished upon lier. 

The Lone Star State has always been brilliantly represented at the Springs, one of its most 
agreeable women being Mrs. S. B. Jones, who with her lovely daughter and handsome son, have 
but recently returned from Paris, France. Miss Irma Jones wears the most chic gowns like a veritable 
Parisian, and was one of the twenty-four beautiful women who danced in the Minuet at the 
Home-Coming Ball. Her brother is a popular beau, always in demand and a general favorite. 

Mrs. Enders, of Richmond, Va., who arrived this week, is a handsome brunette — a widow, 
who was also a belle of the Springs. An agreeable woman is Mrs. Chas. Stokes, of Richmond, 
who is a blonde beauty, and is accompanied by her pretty daughter. Miss Aline Stokes, who was one 
of the belles at the ball. 

From Richmond comes Miss Page Royall, a glowing brunette beauty, who was present at the 
horse show and a belle at the ball. 

"The four winds blow in renowned guests from every port." 

There has rarely been seen a larger assemblage at White Sulphur Springs of distinguished 

63 



families known for their achievements in the battlefield, independent of their old blue blood, for 
their fame as bishops, jurists, Governors and makers of the laws which now govern our country. 
There seems to be an unusual collection of descendants of legal lights. 

Dr. and Mrs. Holt are regular visitors here from Surry. The doctor is one of the best known 
men in the State, and has a wide acquaintance. Mrs. Holt is one of the most popular visitors here. 

The music is quite a feature of the Springs, and the fine hand morning and afternoon concerts 
delight music lovers. Professor Carl Neumann is excelling himself this summer, and the Sunday 
evening concerts given in the Hotel salon are largely attended and splendid programs are played, 
while the cornet soloist, Guy G. Gauglcr, and Mr. Henry Jaeger, the flute soloist, are gifted artists 
and great favorites with the guests. 

SUNDAY EVENING CONCERT. 
Carl L. Neuman, Director 

PROGRAM 

1 March— NIBELUNGEN IVagitcr 

2 Overture— MARTHA Flolow 

3 Selection— CARMEN BUcI 

4 Sextette from LUCIA Doiticclli 

5 Excerpts from the PRIMA DONNA Herbert 

6 AVE MARIA Gounod 

7 Song of HARRY LAUDER 

8 Flower Song— HEARTS and FLOWERS Tohani 

9 Selection— RIGOLETTO Verdi 

DOXOLOGY. 

64 



SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA, AUGUST 15. 1908 




HOUGH our political lights may be fled, yot our garlands are not dead, nor our banquet 
halls deserted. On the contrary, so little cessation has there been in the gayeties that the 
beautiful cedar decorations and the handsome flags draped over the ball-room walls have 
been left intact. 

It is needless to say anything of the visit of Secretary and Mrs. Taft. Life for them, wrhile 
here, was one glittering horizon of smiles, handsliakes, feasts and good wishes. One Louisville 
woman, who takes a personal pride in the Old Wliite, remarked to Mr. Taft that she hoped his 
would soon be the name of another President of the LJnited States who had lionored White Sul- 
phur by his presence ; whereupon the genial candidate smiled approvingly. 

The Hon. and Mrs. Jos. H. Gaines, of Charleston, W. Va.. gave a splendid dinner, witli Mr. and 
Mrs. Taft guests of honor. The table, which was set in the form of a hollow square, was some- 
thing to dream about. The inner space was decorated most artistically with ferns and American 
Beauty roses ; around the outer edge were trailing vines and green leaves, starred here and there 
with white carnations and clusters of pink roses and carnations. The guests assembled in the recep- 

65 



tion room before proceeding to the table, and here each lady was presented with a tremendous 
bunch of American Beauty roses, almost as big, if not as radiant as herself. 

Sunday morning a large congregation assembled in the consecrated church, wherein our sum- 
mer visitors unite in worship, and a very eloquent sermon was preached by the scholarly divine. 
Bishop Peterkin, of West Virginia. 

In the evening the large drawing room here was filled with a magnificent audience, the occa- 
sion being the regular sacred concert given there. The program had been most carefully arranged 
by Director Carl Neumann. The instrumental sections were interspersed with vocal solos. 
Mrs. H. Clay Browning, of Washington, and other guests sang with artistic effect. Mrs. Browning, 
who was formerly a regular visitor to the Springs, returned after an absence of several seasons in 
order to take part in the home-coming celebrations. She is a lovable woman, tall, and possessed 
of a superb stage presence. 

Monday morning a large party of merry young girls and men gave a tally-ho drive to Sweet 
Chalybeate Springs. The appearance of the gay party in stylish costumes with bright colored sun 
shades was very picturesque indeed. In the party was that sparkling young matron, Mrs. Andrew 
Bradley, of Washington, who chaperoned the following: Misses Phinizy, Potts, Christian, Gar- 
lington, and Randolph, and Messrs. McGreery, Pipes, Garlington, Cobb and Browning. 

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Thayer, of Charleston, W. Va., gave an elegant supper in honor of Mr. 
and Mrs. Taft on Sunday evening. The floral decorations were beautiful and the menu excellent. 

06 



MUSICAL CONCERT. 

Madame Gude Mrs. Browning Miss Tyson 

Mrs. Duke Minister Gude 

AND THE Columbia Orchestra, Carl L. Neumann, Director. 

PROGRAM 

1 March— FLAG OF VICTORY F. V. Botn 

2 Overture— WILLIAM TELL Rossini 

3 Baritone Solo— a JESUS DE NAZARETH 

b VOGLEIN WOHIN SO SCHNELL Kierug 

Minister Gude 

4 Violin Solo— a PREGHIERA Schiibcri 

b MAZURKA Wienia^KSky 

Madame Gude 

5 Soprano Solo — ANGELS SERENADE Braga 

Mrs. Browning (Violin Obligato my Madame Gude) 

6 Idyl— THE GLOW-WORM Lincke 

7 Piano Solo— KAMENNOI-OSTROW Rubenstein 

Miss Tyson 

8 Selection— LOHENGRIN Wagner 

9 Violin Solo — ROMANCE Svcndsen 

Mrs. Duke 

10 Soprano Solo— VIEUXTEMPS Stirn 

Mrs. Browning 

DOXOLOGY. 
67 



Mr. Burr Mcintosh, the delightful lecturer, was with us again this week. Mr. Mcintosh invited 
about eighteen friends to an informal supper in the cafe, entertaining them there later with a num- 
ber of wonderful sleight-of-hand feats, in which he is very skilled. The guest of honor at the 
supper was that most agreeable woman, Mrs. W. A. Wells, of Washington. 

A delightful bowling party was given by Dr. Nellie V. Mark, of Baltimore, on Tuesday even- 
ing, at the Casino. This was highly enjoyed, and at the close of the game Dr. Mark invited her 
friends to a perfect little champagne supper in the cafe. The guests included Mesdames Kendall, 
Dugas, Tower, Davies, Minch and Miss McDowell. 

Dr. Mark is a fine type of the professional woman, having attained an enviable position. She 
resides in her handsome home in Baltimore, which is artistically fitted up with offices, and every- 
thing strictly up to date. 

Mrs. J. Rauers, of Savannah, Ga., gave a beautifully appointed card party, in honor of Mrs. 
Thesmar and Mrs. Gordon Harrison, of the same city, on Wednesday evening. The guests were 
prominent people, the prizes numerous and very handsome and the whole entertainment characterized 
by the beauty, grace and charm for which this resort is noted. The playing throughout the game 
was spirited, and the brilliant affair will long be remembered by those who participated in its pleas- 
ures. After the game an elegant course supper with champagne was served in the drawing room. 

The century ball, given on Friday evening, to celebrate the one hundredth season of the Old 
White, called together a magnificent assemblage of beautiful women and handsome men, many gor- 

M 



geous toilets were worn, while the jewels and laces were reflective of the history and romance of 
the old families of the South, in which they have been heirlooms. The decorations of the ball 
room were the subject of much admiring comment. 

Saturday that queen of hostesses, Mrs. Rawlins Lowndes, of Cliarleston, S. C, entertained at 
breakfast in honor of Mrs. VV. C. Malone, of her city. It was a real White Sulphur affair to 
which the beautiful weather and dehghtful mountain air lent a peculiar zest. Other guests present 
included Mesdames Haskell, Rauers, Brawley, Gude, Simonds, Read, Thesmas, Phinizy, Johnston, 
Reis, Wilson, Enders, Williams, Reese, Gorter, Davis, Chatard, Mrs. John and Mrs. Thomas Mid- 
dleton, Miss Ross, Miss Aubin McDowell and Miss Aline Stokes. 

Major Charles Stringfellow and Miss Stringfcllow, annual guests from Richmond, have taken 
an active part in the Home-Coming festivities. 

Every August finds that elegant woman, Mrs. W. T. Harris, of Danville, Va., a guest at the 
Springs and always warmly welcomed by her host of friends. Mrs. Harris is a North Carolinian 
by birth and a sister of a former belle of the Old White, lovely Miss Gray Morehead. 

Her husband is one of the leading lawyers in the state and her two sons are bright, handsome 
young fellows who have been graduated from the old University of Virginia with the highest 
honors. The elder will practice law in Chicago but the younger son has not yet determined upon 
a profession. Mrs. Harris is a representative society woman, very fond of social life, and a gracious 
and admirable personality. 



A popular guest witli us all is Mrs. Dugas, of Augusta, Ga., a stylish brunette who possesses 
the most exquisite taste in her dress and entertains her friends with dainty litle suppers in the cafe. 

Miss Aline Prochaske, of New Orleans, is a slender, petite blonde, just as dainty as a flower. 
She wears tlie Frenchiest toilettes, one a lovely creation worn at the Bal Pondre, where she was 
one of eight beautiful girls who danced the minuet of twenty-four women— roses, half-bloom 
buds and dainty buds, the latter being eight Greenbrier lasses of sweet sixteen. The minuet or 
White Sulphur Riley was a most beautiful affair. 

Mrs. James A. Ware, of New Orleans and White Castle, La., is one of the social favorites from 
the Crescent City. Her sixth great grandfather, Cline Irvine, was a collector of the King's Rents 
in the Western Isles. He married Princess Beatrix, the eldest daughter of Malcolm the Second, 
and he was the father of Duncan I, who was King of Scotland. 

Mr. Thomas Patterson, the landscape gardener, has shown fine taste in his treatment of the 
place, and the guests are indebted to him for the roses, lilies and ather beautiful blossoms. The 
cottages and grounds are brilliant with blooming plants, adding greatly to the beauty of the 
Springs. 



70 



SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA. AUGUST 22, 1908 




HE annual game of baseball between the office force and the culinary department of the 

'^ Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs Hotel took place August 20th before a large and 

^^ enthusiastic crowd. 

Green had his spittcr under control and also led in stick work, securing three singles and two 
doubles out of five times up. 

Milovich's curves would not break for him and the clerks hammered him from the box in the 
fifth, and Cabbel fared little better ; the Clerks securing thirteen runs oiT his delivery during his 
advent on the rubber. 

Chef Ratto allowed his 250 lbs. of avoirdupois to throw him during fast field work and he 
required the assistance of his team-mates to again put him in proper playing position. 

W'riggins, who was at the receiving end, instead of on the firing line his usual position, caught 
a brilliant game, notwithstanding he was suffering with a severe case of Charlie-hoss. 

BroSJcs covered third in a masterly manner, accepting several difficult chances without an 
error. 

71 



Skiff, the bartender, showed that he was more used to handling Wilson high balls than base- 
balls by endeavoring to knock out a homer with his head. 
The score : 



Cooks. 

AB H o 

Chef Ratto, r f 4 1 o 

Pfaff, I b 409 

Cabbell, ss and p 4 i 2 

T. Dickson, c 4 i 6 

Bradley, 2 b 303 

Enig, c f 3 I I 

Milovich, p and ss 3 1 o 

Allen, 1 f 200 

C. Dickson, 3 b 3 i 3 



Clerks. 

AB H O A E 

Tressel, i b 52901 

Wriggins, c 5 4 12 i o 

Brooks, 3 b 5 3 3 o o 

Green, p 55140 

Skiff, 2 b 5 2 I 2 I 

Steel, r £ 41000 

Bobbitt, c f 4 2 I o I 

Moore, ss 32061 

Burdett, 1 f 30001 



30 



Cooks 
Clerks 



12 17 

o 4 
3 2 



39 21 27 
—II 

— 22 



Runs— Ratto, Pfaff, 2; Cabbell, 2; T. Dickson. 2; Bradley, 2; Milovich, Enig, Tressel, 3; Wrig- 
gins, 4; Brooks, 3; Green, 5; Skiff, 2; Moore, 2, Bobbitt, 2; Burdett. Three-base hits — Dickson, 
Brooks. Two-base hits — Green, 2 ; Wriggins, Bobbitt, C. Dickson. Sacrifice hit — Steel. Struck out 
— By Green, 8; by Milovich, 2; Cabbell, 2. First base on balls — Off Green 2, Milovich i, Cabbell i. 
Double plays — -Green to Brooks. Hit by pitcher — ^Ratto. Umpire — Mr. Hoyberger. Time of game, 
2 hours 30 minutes. 



72 



The thrifty and progressive little town of Dry Creek is adjacent to the Old White and its 
citizens have made themselves very agreeable and obliging to the shoppers from the Springs. This 
town adjoins the White Sulphur estate and is quite up-to-date, having an imposing bank built of 
brick, several comfortable hotels, a large school house, and stores where merchandise of every de- 
scription is sold. Mr. Hines, who is President of the bank, was one of the gentlemen who received 
with President Taft on the morning of the reception tendered him at the Springs. Mr. Dickson 
has a fine dry goods emporium while Mr. S. B. Woodson also has a large store and condncts one 
in summer within the grounds of the Old White. He is one of the leading merchants of the place 
and all these gentlemen are deservedly prosperous. 

The Ladies' Fancy Work Bazaar or Woman's Exchange at the Springs is one of the features 
of the place. It has been conducted for the past fifteen years by Miss Alice Blair, of Richmond, 
Va. a very lovable woman who has endeared herself to all with whom she comes in contact. Our 
visits to the Exchange are made doubly pleasant by the fact that we have so popular a woman as 
Miss Blair to attend to our wants. 

An interesting event of the past week was the convention of one hundred prominent railroad 
officials — a meeting together of the agents and representatives of the Kanawha Dispatch and Blue 
Ridge Dispatch, fast freight lines. Mr. Thornton Lewis is the general manager of the Kanawha, 
and Mr. R. H. Vaughan is general manager of the Blue Ridge Dispatch. 

This notable gathering is held annually, and has for the past three years met at White Sulphur 

73 



Springs, as it is the most central point for those located in the principal cities of the East and West. 

The representatives of the lines convened in the spacious parlors of the hotel, at which meeting 
business for the closing year was discussed. Both lines made admirable showing, and there was 
general rejoicing when the figures were divulged, showing great increase of earnings as compared 
with the previous year. 

On the evening of the second day General Manager Thornton Lewis was the host of a brilliant 
entertainment. 



SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. WEST VIRGINIA, AUGUST 29. 1908 



1 



HIS has indeed been a banner season at the Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. 
This earthly paradise, set among the everlasting hills, never looked lovelier than now, 
and the "Old White," as she has been affectionately called, celebrated her centennial 
year in grand fashion. 

This week was a gala one in the annals of the springs and county, .August 26th having been 
the anniversary of the memorable battle of Dry Creek, fought between the Federals and Confeder- 

74 



ates, near the village of White Sulphur, in the year 1863. The sturdy veterans assembled at the 
"Gillespie House" and other hotels and private homes, and a royal good time was enjoyed by all, 
shouldering tlie crutch and telling old tales of pa t encounters, and recalling the stirring times when 
the "boys in gray" and the "boys in blue" were not so friendly as they are now. The battle of Dry 
Creek was decided in favor of the Confederates, and the commanding officers were General Averill, 
United States Army, and Colonel Patten, of Virginia. 

The Southerners owe their victory to a man and a horse — the former, William McClintic, 
who discovered the presence of the enemy and spurred on to warn the Confederates; the latter, 
the horse of the famous "Blue Slipper" strain, which bnrc him to his goal and saved the day for 
the South. 

The closing of the centennial season at the Old White is marked by a rush of brilliant events. 
There is no cessasion in the gaieties, and the social ball is kept rolling day and night. 

The crowning feature of the week, however, was the cliildren's fancy ball, so magnificently ar- 
ranged by Prof. C. Victor Zeblcy, of Washington and Baltimore, who trained the participants in 
the grand march and opening dances. This march was most gracefully led by Miss Clarice Leavell 
and Master Jack Wilson, which concluded with the Victorine. the dutchess, the butterfly, round 
dances, and the popular Barn Dance. 

A most brilliant spectacle was the May pole danced by eight of the older girls and eight young 
misses. 

75 



A beautiful solo danced by little Miss Elizabeth Taylor was very pleasing and attractive. 

A lovely scarf dance was given, beginning with a tableau of dancers, who finally retired as 
Miss Kathrj'n Scales, the soloist, came forward and caught the eye and fancy of the audience. 

Some of the prettiest of tlic many pretty impersonations were the four New York sisters, 
Butterfly, Ellen Yuille ; Daisy, Melissa ; Snowball, Burks ; Dutch Girl, Nancy. 

Anne Lee, Buttercup ; Mary Lee, Bo Peep ; Theresa Hall, Queen of the Fairies ; Dorothy Bruce, 
Mary Reese and Elizabeth Taylor, Fairies ; Nelly Phinizy and Clarice Leavell, Japanese girls, lovely 
impersonations whose costumes were imported from the land of cherry blossoms ; Philippa Bruce, 
Frou-Frou ; Forney Reese, French Marquis : Glasgow Clarke, Indian ; Eva Helm, a sparkling brun- 
ette, made a lovely Pocahontas, who was much admired; Ethel Cabel, Goddess of Liberty; Kathe- 
rine Cabell, Night ; Dorothy Cabell, Forget-me-not ; Reaux Jones, Shepherdess; Abbie Chapman, 
Blue Bell; Mary Tyler Duffy. Red Riding Hood; Elizabeth Duffy, Mistress Mary; Miriam 
Grundy, Morning Glory; Martha Wilson, Folly; Eleanor Byrne. Daisy; Jack Wall, John China- 
man ; Helen Marts, French Maid ; Alice Lewis, French Maid ; Florence Hanck, Spanish Dancing 
Girl; Sophie Maars, Daisy; Helen Maars, Pink Rose; Mary Botton, Princess Flavia ; James Bolton, 
Highlander; Dorothy Hublein, Queen Elizabeth; James Boswell, Cupid; Elizabeth Simonds, Queen 
of Hearts ; John Simonds, Knave of Hearts ; King Stone, ITncroyable ; James Stagg, Court Jester ; 
Elizabeth Stagg, Pink Rose ; Blackburn Hal, Devil, while Jack Potts, as a Sailor, gave the Sailor's 
Hornpipe as a solo with much dash and grace; Jack Wilson, a Colonial Gentleman, in costume of 

76 




The Hills and boys a<i llifv dptwdrt-d in lln-ir Viirion^^ tusluni*'^ at llit- annual C.hili!r<>n s (.ainiv.il. Ii.-I<l dl Whitt' .Sulphur hpfinys 



pink velvet coat, with white satin trousers, buckles, lace ruffles, and all the glory of a beau of old ; 
Josephine Thayer, Little Miss Muffet ; Mary Elizabeth Thayer, a Yellow Butterfly. 

The ball room presented a beautiful sight with Colonial dames and cavaliers intermingling 
with Mother Goose and fairy land representatives. 

Refreshments were served the young merry-makers, and the affair was voted the most popular 
and brilliant of all the cotillions given at the Old White this season. 

White Sulphur has the distinction of being the oldest resort in America, and this season will be 
a memorable one. 

The prophecy of Mr. Charles Dudley Warner just after the war between the States that 
"Historic Old White Sulphur will hold its own in spite of competition," has been verified, and 
while Southern aristocracy is the controlling force here, as in the long ago days, the informality of 
life attracts numbers of distinguished visitors. 

The North, East and West arc always well represented, yet the old habitues form a separate 
and select society of their own. 

The roster of delightful people is a lengthy one this summer, when the hotel register outnum- 
bers any since 1900. Never were there more gallant cavaliers in attendance on queen beauty. The 
social ball was kept rolling day and night. 

Bridge and euchre, luncheons, breakfasts and teas, cotillions, concerts, tennis, tally-ho picnic*, 
riding and driving parties, and hay rides for the merry children. 

71 



Monday a brilliant bridge-whist party of twelve tables was given, the hostess being Mrs. L. W. 
Haskell, of New York, and the guest of honor, Mrs. J. Rauers, of Savannah. The prizes were 
elegant, and a delightful luncheon with champagne and punch was served. 

Mrs. J. G. Wilson, of Norfolk, gave a farewell euchre party Tuesday morning. First prize, a 
sterling silver picture frame, was won by Mrs. Wall; second, a dainty spangled gauze fan, by Mrs. 
Donaldson; third, a set of exquisite gold beauty pins, by Miss Barnett, while Mrs. Ellett was con- 
soled with a unique brass ornament. 

The season here is drawing to a close, though many guests linger, as this is the most beautiful 
time of the year. The people have been enjoying the cool, crisp days so inductive to outdoor life. 

Mrs. John McGill entertained delightfully this week at her picturesque cottage. The floral 
decorations were a striking feature. Growing plants ornamented the cozy rooms and airy veran- 
da, while the low tables scattered about were decorated with blossoming flowers, dahlias, scarlet, 
white and rose, tawny nasturtiums and delicately tinted roses. Every delicacy of the season was 
served, with rich old fruit cake made at her home in Petersburg, Va. 

Many of the guests now in this paradise of the social gods and goddesses. White Sulphur, are 
royally hospitable, and their friends are enjoying a number of small farewell fetes, so to speak, 
given either in the hotel proper or at their picturesque cottages, embowered amid vines and flowers, 
and scattered over the vast grounds about the Springs. 



78 



SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. WEST VIRGINIA, SEPTEMBER 7, 1908 




IISITORS at White Sulphur find it particularly enjoyable during these soft golden days of 
the early autumn. The outside world of hurrying pleasure seekers may well envy the 
habitues of this long summer home, the grandeur of the mountains, the sweet peace of 
the woods, the beauty of the drives, the restful ease of the heart-to-heart talks, the comfort of 
kindly hospitality, and the tender remembrance of those special friendships formed at the never- 
to-be-forgotten White Sulphur Springs, enshrined in the heart as a halo like bright constellations 
set in the heavens. 

The weather has been delightful, the days bright and pleasant, with cloudless nights. A scen- 
ery and climate that are ever changing and always glorious, the air like wine and redolent with the 
sweet scents of the woods. There have been several horseback parties for exploring the mysteries 
of the surrounding mountains. 

One by one our gracious friends are leaving us with the first chill of the air — some returning 
to their Northern pines, some to the Southern palms, some to the red woods of California, and 
others to the Eastern coasts, where the Statue of Liberty fronts the gates of morning, 

>9 



All have promised to return next summer, and as we waive them adieu the lines of the old 
song falter on the lips ; 

"Farewell — farewell is a mournful word, 

V 

And often brings a sigh ; 
But give to me that sweet old word 
• That comes from the heart — good-bye." 

The home-coming celebration has wound up in a blaze of glory and it served to bring together 
all the old habitues of White Sulphur, new friends and old. It cemented the ties formed in past 
years and established new and tender ones for the future. May the glory of the Old White never 
wane, but like the living waters springing from the emerald sod, may it shine on as fresh and ex- 
haustless and as inspiring for all times to come. 

Perhaps no other spot on earth has heard more of rapier w-it and sparkling repartee than the 
fountain at the Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, where for a century has met the wit and brain of 
a cultured race. I can only say in closing — 




ERE'S to the Old White. 
May she ever be as she has 
been and is now, the Mecca 
of the South, drawing all to 
her as the moon draws the sea. Lovely 
as the sweet vale of Avoca in whose 
bosom the blue waters meet, and where 
had Ponce de Leon stayed his weaiy 
feet in his quest for the fountain of 
immortal youth, he would have looked 
upon her healing stream in ecstasy and 
exclaimed "Eureka! 1 have found it." 






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